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filass 
Book . 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 



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ASHLAND 



LEADING 



BUSINESS MEN 



OF 



MILFORD, HOPKINTON, 



f 



AND VICINITY; 



EMBRACING ALSO 



ASHLAND, HOLLISTON and HOPEDALE. 



ILIvUSTRATKD. 




BOSTON : 
MERCANTILE PUBLISHING COMPANY, 

No. 258 Purchase Street. 



1590 



X 



^'\^ 



^.^ 



PRKFACB. 



In this historical and statistical review of the commercial and manufactur- 
ing interests of this section, it has been our purpose in as thorough a manner 
as was possible to justly describe those enterprises which have contributed so 
largely during the last half century to the material advancement of these towns. 
History plainly shows that many large cities have owned their prosperity and 
growth chiefly to advantages of situation, great influx of foreign people, and 
similar causes. Of the towns in this section it is the genius and efforts of 
their people that have brought the present prosperity. This fact that 
the history of these towns has practically been made almost entirely by her 
business men, lends particular significance to the close juxtaposition in which 
the account of her general and business interests are here placed. 

MERCANTILE PUBLISHING CO. 



COPYMGilT. 
MERCANTILE 'PUBLISHING CO. 
1890. 



(SEE CONTENTS ON LAST PAGE.^ 



HISTORICAL SKKTCH 



OF 



MIIvFORD. 



The territory comprised within the limits of the town of Milford originally 
belonged to a clan of the Nipmuck tribe of Indians, and five-sixths of it were 
included in the eight miles square purchase consummated April 22, 1662 ; this 
tract being known as Quinshipaug Plantation, afterward Mendon. A family of 
the same clan sold the other sixth to a committee of Mendon people, February 
19, 1691, and the land thus acquired has always been known as the "North 
Purchase." The proprietors of Mendon owned the entire tract and laid it out 
from time to time, as circumstances required ; the settlement of it beginning in 
the south-westerly corner in 1670, and advancing by very gradual degrees up to 
1700, when more rapid progress commenced and steadily continued, so that in 
1741 the settlers had become sufficiently numerous and enterprising to secure an 
act of incorporation, dividing their tract off as a separate precinct, known as 
"the Second," or the " Easterly precinct of Mendon." The necessary act was 
obtained December 23, 1741, and contained the proviso that a meeting-house 
must be built and an orthodox minister provided within two years of that date. 
The building of the meeting-house was immediately begun, but although it 
measured only 40 x35 feet, the structure was not finished, and the Rev. Amariah 
Frost ordained as minister until within two days of the extreme limit ; the con- 
ditions of incorporation being fulfilled December 21, 1743. About 37 years 
afterward this precinct was incorporated as the town of Milford, but only after 
a long and earnest struggle; the residents of the parent town raising the 
objections usual in such cases, and stoutly resisting the claims of the "Mill 
River people" to separate corporate existence. An amicable agreement was 
finally arrived at May 3, 1779 ; and April 11th of the following year the town 
was incorporated, being formally organized May 1, 1780. At that time the 
population was just 760, and the meeting-house was the only public building. 
The Revolutionary War, then drawing to a close, had severely tested the 
resources of the towns-people ; money worthy of the name was very scarce, and 



4 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF MILFOBD. 

the poverty of Milford's residents was real and pressing, but they had pluck, 
faith and a boundless capacity for hard work, and although the town had a 
'' hard row to hoe" for some years, it proved itself equal to the emergency, and 
with true Yankee independence asked help or favors from no one. Milford is 
located in the south-east corner of Worcester County and is bounded on the 
north by Hopkinton ; on the east by Holliston, Med way and Bellingham ; on the 
west by Upton and on the south-west by Mendon ; its other boundaries being 




Main Street Looking North from P. O. 

Middlesex and Norfolk Counties. It has an area of 19 square miles and ten 
acres; a length of six miles and an average breadth of about 3 e miles. It is 
nearly equi-distant from Boston and Providence, being 30 miles from the former 
and 25 miles from the latter city, and its centre is 18 miles south-east from Wor- 
cester. The average altitude is a trifle less than 473 feet; the maximum being 
637 feet 9 inches, and the minimum 308 feet. There are two small rivers in 
town, one of which, '^ the Serpentine Charles," rises in a large swamp near the 
Hopkinton line, at a point 432 feet above the sea level. It falls 124 feet in its 
passage through the town, but only affords two or three mill- sites within the 
limits of Milford. The other stream — ''Mill River," as the white men have 
always called it — is the outlet of North Pond, or Maspenock Pond, to use the 
Indian title, and falls 137 feet 9 inches before it escapes from Milford's bounda- 
ries ; affording eleven mill-sites and flowing southerly into the Blackstone 
Eiver at Woonsocket, E. I. One important effect of these two rivers is to divide 
the town into three sections, of which by far the most important is that between 
the Mill and the Charles ; this being six miles in length and from one to two 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF MILFORD. 5 

miles in width. It contains a great deal of arable land, but is also noteworthy 
for some very pronounced eminences from which beautiful and extensive views 
are obtainable. Tunnel Hill is 616 feet above the sea ; Silver Hill about 587 
feet, and Magomiscock, which happily still bears its aboriginal name, 637 feet 
9 inches. Properly speaking, this is a range of highlands rather than a hill, 
for it is some two miles in length and descends gradually on all sides, its 




Main Street Looking South from P. O. 

apparent height being thereby greatly diminished. The view from the summit 
on a clear day comprises the Blue Hills of Milton, Wachusett, Monadnock and 
other famous heights, and is one of the most picturesque of the kind which the 
state affords. 

The Westerly section has a length of four miles and a width of 150 rods, a 
small part of it being good farming laud, but most of it being swampy, rocky or 
woody. The highest point is North Hill, 572 feet ; and the highest point of the 
third and last section — that lying east of the Charles — is a famous landmark, 
Bear Hill, 532 feet above the sea. The "Rocky Woods," "Korth Cedar 
Swamp" and " Great Meadow " are prominent portions of this section, which, 
as may be imagined, is not especially adapted to agriculture, although the 
eastern frontier bounds a range of good farms, which are thoroughly tilled and 
reasonably productive. 

Milford has no natural wealth of any kind, with the exception of the exten- 
sive deposits of granite found in some portions of the town. This stone is now 



6 



HI8T0BICAL SKETCH OF MILFOBD. 



quite largely quarried, and "Milford granite" has a high and recognized 
position in the market. Up to the year 1845 the growth of Mil ford was slow 
and uncertain, but the branch railroad to South Framingham then stimulated 
progress, and the development since that date has been continuous and gratify- 
ing. It is interesting to know that shoe manufacturing was begun here as early 
as 1795, although operations were conducted on a very small scale for more than 
a quarter of a century ; the largest shoe factory in town in 1825 being two storiee 
in height and 32x20 feet in dimensions. Although Milford was not an incorpo- 
rated town when the Ee volution broke out, it is but just that passing referencs 




Music Hall Block and Vicinity. 



should be made to the part her prospective citizens took in that struggle, for, as 
residents of Mendon, they manned two of the companies the town put into the 
field. The most famous of these men was Alexander Scammell, who was a 
favorite of General Washington, and was made adjutant general of the United 
States armies. He graduated from Harvard in 1769, and was field officer at the 
siege of Yorktown in 1780, where he was surprised and captured by the enemy's 
cavalry, and was mortally wounded by a cowardly Hessian after he had yielded 
himself as prisoner. Milford sent a company to Boston during the war of 1812, 
but it only remained sixty days, there being no occasion to make use of its 
services. The town's action in the late Eebellion was worthy of her past 
record, for she furnished 1202 men — 195 more than the law required. The sum 
of $62,600 was appropriated for war purposes, and $14,832 were raised by 
private subscription. The amount paid for State aid (afterward refunded) 
was $96,135.62. 



mSTORICAL SKETCH OF MILFORD. 



Unlike many other New England communities, Milford has never made any 
great pretensions as regards its educational facilities, but gratifying progress 
has been made in this line of late years, and it is believed that the present 
accommodations will compare favorably with those of other towns of no greater 
population. The banking facilities of the town are excellent, and are well 
worthy of consideration when calling attention to the advantages Milford offers 
for the successful prosecution of manufacturing and mercantile enterprises. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN 



OF 



MILFORD. 



Claflin & Thayer, Manufacturers of Men's, 
Boys' and Youth's Boots and Shoes, Milford, 
Mass. — The enterprise carried on under the 
firm name of Claflin & Thayer is such a truly 
representative one as to entitle it to the most 
prominent mention possible, for it has been 
conducted for fully 40 years and has done 
much to make the name of Milford widely and 
favorably known in manufacturing and trade 
circles. The existing firm name was adopted 
in 1869 and is retained in spite of the fact that 
Mr. Thayer is dead, Mr. Claflin being now sole 
proprietor. He was born in this town and is 
universally known here, now being connected 
with the Board of Selectmen. The firm are 
very largely engaged in the manufacture of 
men's, boys' and youth's boots and shooes, the 
bulk of their product being in heavy styles. 
They utilize a spacious and finely-equipped 
factory and operate a costly and efficient plant 
of improved machinery, power being afforded 
by a 30 horse engine. Employment is given 
to. about 200 hands, and the capacity of the 
works is sometimes severely taxed to keep up 
with the orders received as the products of 
this concern are so generally popular that they 
find a ready and dependable market. Selected 
stock is used, careful supervision exercised 
over each of the many processes incidental to 
the work and the most careful and severe ex- 
amination will only result in proving that the 
•exceptional popularity we have noted is thor- 
oughly well-deserved. 



Jones & Wilkinson, Manufacturers of 
Men's and Boys' Straw Goods, Central Street* 
Milford, Mass. — The manufacture of straw 
goods ranks high among those special indus- 
tries for which Massachusetts is famous, and 
the enterprise conducted by Messrs. Jones & 
Wilkinson has done much to advance the in- 
terests of Milford and vicinity. It was inaugur- 
ated by Messrs. E. M. Jones & Son, the pres- 
ent firm being formed in 1883, and the business 
was for years carried on at No. 10 Fayette 
Street, a removal being made to the corner of 
Main and Walnut Streets, then to the present 
location on Central Street, in 1888. Here a very 
commodious factory is occupied, the premises 
bemg four stories in height and 40 x 100 feet 
in dimensions. A fifty horse engine is utilized, 
and the works are equipped with the very lat- 
est improved machinery in every department, 
the firm manufacturing men's and boys' straw 
goods in almost endless variety. They employ 
one hundred assistants during the season, and 
do an immense and increasing business, selling 
to jobbers throughout the country. Their 
products are well-known to the trade, and are 
conceded to be surpassed by none in their own 
special line. The firm is constituted of Messrs. 
A. W. Jones and T. P. Wilkinson, the former 
being a native of Framingham and the latter of 
Milford. Both these gentlemen are widely and 
favorably known in trade circles, and show by 
their methods that they propose to build up 
their business in every legitimate way. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MILFOBD. 



Milford Pink Granite Co., Milford, 
Mass.— Of the building materials in common 
use,- as for instance wood, brick, freestone, 
marble and granite, each has its special advan- 
tages and is entirely free from drawbacks of 
any kind, but one of the most serious hindran- 
ces to the general use of granite— its compar 
tively first high cost, has been overcome lo a 
great extent by the introduction of new meth- 
ods and the use of new appliances for its quar- 
rying and working. In the granite business, 
as in about every other at the present day, it 
is necessary to have a large capital in order to 
carry on operations to the best advantage, and 
a fine example of how quickly ample resources 
and enterprising methods will develop an ex- 
tensive and permanent trade is that afforded 
by the success which has attended the under- 
taking carried on by the Milford Pink Granite 
Company since operations were begun in 188S. 
This company handle a very superior quality 
of building stone, and the magnitude of the 
demand for it is indicated by the fact that em- 
ployment is given to more than 200 men. The 
unsurpassett facilities at hand enable the heav- 
iest orders to be filled at short notice, and the 
lowest market rates to be quoted at all times. 
Mr. I. F. Woodbury of the well known firm of 
Woodbury & Leighton, builders of Boston, 
is president and the position of superintendent 
and treasurer is filled by Mr. A. W. Eames. 
The new Boston Public Library building, Cop- 
ley square, is being built of stone cut and fur- 
nished by this company, also the Elliot church 
at Newton, Mass., one of the finest churches 
in that vicinity was built of stone from this 
quarry. Tracks from the B. & A. E. E. pen- 
etrate the quarry and cutting sheds, aflording 
superior advantages to the company. 



Milford National Bank, Milford, Mass.— 
That the Milford National Bank has exerted a 
most powerful influence on the industrial and 
commercial development of this section of the 
state is a self-evident fact, but just how power- 
ful this influence has been, aad just how much 
farther advanced this comnmnity is than it 
would have been had not this institution ever 
been organized, are questions which it is sim- 
ply impossible to answer with any accuracy, 
and which indeed are not of any great import- 
ance, the vital question being as to the general 
effect of the operations of the bank, and not as 
to the precise amount of benefit derived from 
them. This institution was incorporated as a 
State Bank in 1848, and was carried on success- 
fully under that form of charter for about 17 
years, being re-organized under the national 
banking laws in 1865. Many of our readers 
must be familiar with the bank's record since 
that date, and we need not refer to it in detail 
or indeed to mention it, further than to say 
that it reflects the highest credit on the officers 
past and present, and will compare favorably 
with that of any institution with which we are 
acquainted occupying a similar field of useful- 
ness. The Milford National Bank has a capital 
of a quarter of a million, and is most excellent- 
ly equipped to do a general banking business, 
including the reception of deposits, the collec- 
tion of drafts and the discounting of approved Dorchester ; Milford Mutual, of Milford. 



commercial paper. The present board of oflS- 
cers is made up of business men so prominent 
as to require no introduction to Massachusetts' 
readers, while a perusal of the following list of 
names will show how closely they are identi- 
fied with the interests of Milford and vicinity t 
President, Charles F. Claflin ; Cashier, Augus- 
tus Wheeler ; Directors, Charles F. Claflin, of 
Milford, Amariah A. Taft, of Milford, Wm. F. 
Draper, of Hopedale. John P. Daniels, of Mil- 
ford, T. G. Kent, of Worcester, Ethan C. Claf- 
lin, of Milford, Chas. H. Colburn, of Hopedale, 
L. H. Cook, of Milford. 

George G. Parker, Fire Insurance, Wash- 
ington Block, Milford. — There are very many 
ins<urance agencies in this country, and gener- 
ally speaking they are liberally patronized, 
but it seems to be an invariable rule that in 
every section there should be one particular 
agency, more popular than any other, and 
universally conceded to be the representative 
insurance establishment of that vicinity. 

Our Milford readers certainly do not need to 
be informed what is the leading agency of 
their section, for that conducted by Mr. George 
G. Parker has enjoyed that distinction for a 
long time, and is steadily gaining in favor 
among both insurers and insured. Now it is not 
at all necessary to enter into a detailed expla- 
nation of the reasons of this condition of 
affairs, for it is obvious that the discriminating^ 
buyer of insurance, like the buyer of anything^ 
else, will place his orders where he can get 
the most (both in quality and quantity) for 
his money, and the simple fad that so many 
give the preference to Mr. Parker's agency i» 
of itself presumptive evidence that exceptional 
advantages are there obtainable. The pro- 
prietor is a native of Acton, Mass., and haa 
served as Eepresentative, and also as chair- 
man of the School Board. He has had over a 
quarter of a century's experience in his present 
line of business, and is prepared to eflect in- 
surance to any desired amount in first-class 
companies at very short notice, on manufac- 
turers' and merchants' stocks in trade, all 
classes of buildings, fui'uiture, clothing, etc> 
The assets of the companies represented 
aggregate more than $70,000,000, and the list i» 
as strong a one as could easily be made out, 
for it includes the names of the leading stock 
and mutual companies. 

^tna, of Hartford ; North British and Mer- 
cantile; Queens, of London; Hartford, of 
Hartford; Connecticut of Hartford; Orient,, 
of Hartford ; American of Philadelphia ; Phoe- 
nix Assurance Co., of England; Insurance Co. 
of North America; Fire Association, of Phila- 
delphia; Phenix, of Brooklyn; Westchester, 
of New York; Niagara, of New York; New 
Hampshire, of Manchester; First National, of 
Worcester ; Lancashire, of England ; Commer- 
cial Union, of England ; Springfield Fire and 
Marine; Providence Washington ; Traders, of 
Chicago; Anglo-Nevada, of San Francisco; 
Sun Fire Oflice, of London ; Phcenix, of Hart- 
ford; Atlantic Fire and Marine. Mutual Com- 
panies. — Traders' «fe Mechanics', of Lowell ;^ 
Merchants' & Farmers' of Worcester ; Quincy 
Mutual, of Quincy; Dorchester Mutual, of 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MILFORD. 




James Powers, First-tlass Livery, Hack 
and Boarding Stable ; Stable, head of Central 
Street, Milford, Mass. — Every commercial 
traveler has sometimes been put to great in- 
convenience by not being able to hire a suit- 
able team at a fair price, and it not infrequently 
happens that the proportion of Livery Stables 
knowing that the customer must have a team, 
will charge in some instances about double their 
usual rates. Now, such a policy is bad for all 
parties concerned. It is bad for the travelling 
man, for of course it adds to his expenses, bad 
for the merchants whom he supplies, for they 
have to "pay the freight in the long run " and 
bad for the stable keeper for the word will be 
passed and he will be avoided by the "frater- 
nity" as much as possible in the future. Mr. 
James Powers who carries on one of the most 
popular Hack. Livery and Boarding Stables to 
be found in Milford, does not believe in any 
such short-sighted policy as we have referred 
too, on the contrary he makes specially low 
rates for Commercial Travelers, and accommo- 
dates them to the best of his ability at all times. 
The "best of his ability" is pretty good too, for 
he has some fine teams in his stables, and the 
man who can't sell a good bill of goods when 
driving about the country in one of his turn- 
outs, ought to go peddling apples or engage in 
some equally intelligent occupation. Mr. 
Powers is a native of Milford, and has conduct- 
ed his present enterprise since 1882, having at 
that date succeeded Mr. S. Cook, this stable be- 
ing located at the head of Central Street, the 
principal entrance being from Main Street. 
Mr. Powers is also proprietor of tlie stables 
connected with and in the rear of Hotel Wil- 
lian this being the larger and more important 
of the two, it being his principal hack stable 
and includes 28 horses while the other stable 
contains a smaller number. Both stables afford 
the best of accommodations to boarders and 
special attention is paid to transcient teams. 
Easy riding and stylish carriages are to be had 
here, as well as horses that have not forgotten 
how to trot, reasonable prices rule, and if you 
want a team for business or for pleasure here 
is the place to get it. 

Geo. F. Birch, Provision Dealer, 33 Ex- 
change Street, Milford, Mass.— It is not diffi- 
cult to obtain a correct idea of the estimation 
in which the establishment carried on by Mr. 
Geo. F. Birch at No. 33 Exchange Street, is 
held by its patrons and by the public in gen- 
eral, for few, if any enterprise of the kind lo- 



cated in Milford, are better 
known or more highly spoken 
of. Mr. Birch is a native of 
this town and has held the 
office of overseer of the poor, 
for seven consecutive years. 
He has been identified with 
his present business for six- 
teen years, and has been lo- 
cated at his present address 
since 1881, so that there ha8 
certainly been ample oppor- 
tunity for him to make the 
public familiar with his 
methods. A store 25x40 feet 
in dimensions are occupied, and employment 
is given to three efficient assistants. The stock 
on hand bears evidence of skillful selection, 
and comprises Meats, Fruits, Vegetables and 
Provisions in almost endless variety. Mr. 
Birch is in a position to obtain his supplies on 
as advantageous terms as any dealer in town, 
and as he is satisfied with small profits, it fol- 
lows that his prices will bear the severest com- 
parison with those quoted by other houses. 
We need hardly say that no misrepresentations 
are allowed in this establishment for no store 
could hold the reputation that this one does 
unless it were conducted on strictly honor- 
able principals. 



D. B. Rockwood, Manufacturer of and 
Dealer in Carriages of all kinds, 210 Main 
Street, Milford, Mass.— Comparatively few of 
the business enterprises now carried on in Mil- 
ford date back a quarter of a century, still 
fewer have been conducted for 50 years, and 
the number of those which can claim over 
three-quarters of a century of existence is so 
small that an undertaking like that carried on 
by Mr. D. B. Rockwood is worthy of the most 
prominent mention in our power to give, for 
this enterprise was inaugurated fully 80 years 
ago, having been started by Mr. Peter Eock- 
wood in 1809. In 1836 the firm-name became 
Peter Rockwood & Son, and four years later the 
son assumed sole control, which he has since 
retained. Mr. Rockwood is a native of Milford, 
and has long ranked among the representative 
business men of that thriving town. He is a 
manufacturer of and dealer in carriages of ev- 
ery description, and occupies very completely 
equipped premises at No. 220 Main street. The 
old shop is a Ih story structure of the dimen- 
sions of 22 X 30 feet, and is connected with the 
new shop, which is two stories in height and 
28 X 40 feet in size. Mr. Rockwood has two- 
competent and efficient assistants in the per- 
sons of his two sons and probable successors- 
Mr. Henry E. and Frank J. Rockwood. Particu- 
lar attention is paid to carriage repairing and 
painting in all their branches. Mr. RockwoodI 
is in a position to fill orders at short notice and 
at prices as low as is consistent with the at- 
tainment of results which will maintain the 
enviable reputation his establishment has so 
long held. There are many so-called " cheap " 
carriages in the market, but only comparative- 
ly few really good ones, and those who wish 
a strictly first-class vehicle at a fair price will 
best serve their own interests by coming here. 



10 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MILFORD. 




Eing Bros., Clothiers, Hatters, Furnishers, 
Fine Clothing a Specialty. Music Hall Block, 
Milford, Mass. — The cost of ready-made cloth- 
ing has been steadily diminishing of late years, 
and has now reached so low a figure that there 
is no reason why every body should not dress 
neatly and even handsomely. To be sure 
there are some dealers who have apparently 
not yet learned of the reduction noted and who 
do not give their customers as much as they 
should have for their money, but the observant 
purchaser will have but little trouble in avoid- 
ing such establishments and will patronize 
those "up to the times "in every respect. 
Among these, none hold a higher position than 
that carried on by King Brothers in Music Hall 
Block. These gentlemen have conducted their 
present undertaking since 1886. The firm is 
made up of Mr. H. M. & P. E. King, both of 
whom are natives of Milford, and have a large 
circle of friends in this vicinity. They have 
made their store located in Milford and also 
their branch store at Uxbridge celebrated 
among those appreciative of fashionable and 
perfect-fitting clothing, and quote prices which 
make it worth the while of every intending 
purchaser of anything in their line to give 
them a call, Their premises located in Milford 
cover an area of 26 by 90 feet in dimensions 
and the Uxbridge branch 15x30 feet, both con- 
taining a very desirable stock of fine clothing, 
hats, and gentlemen's furnishings, also trunks, 
bags, etc. Competent assistants are employed, 
prompt and polite attention shown to all. 



Milford Dye House and Steam Scour- 
ing Establishment, Pond street. Nearly 
Opposite Milford Gas Works. D. H. Ritinger, 
Proprietor, Milford, Mass. — It is very natural 
to consider a garment of any kind spoiled when 
it has become badly faded or soiled, but expe- 
rience and skill can do a good deal in the way 
of renovating faded and soiled fabrics and in 
most instances can make them just as good as 
new, while sometimes the color will be made 
faster than it originally was. No doubt the 
Milford Dye House and Steam Scouring Estab- 
lishment is one of the most perfectly equipped 
establishments of the kind in the state and as 
the proprietor, Mr. D. H. Kitinger, is thor- 
oughly familiar with the business in every 
detail, it is not all surprising that he should 
be in a position to attain results equal to the 
best, thus enabling him to guarantee satisfac- 
tion to the most fastidious customers. Mr. 
Eitinger was born in Switzerland, and began 
business in New York State in 1867, removing 
to Milford two years later. He has therefore 
been here a score of years, and has built up a 
business and established a reputation for in- 
tegrity and skill of which he may well be 
proud. The factory is located on Pond street, 
nearly opposite the Milford Gas Works, and is 
sufficiently spacious to contain all necessary 
apparatus and facilities to enable orders to be 
promptly filled. Cotton, silk and woolen 
dresses and shawls are dyed, and coats, pants 
and vests will be dyed or cleansed in a superior 
manner. Mr. Eitinger can make a faded and 
soiled garment look like new if anybody can, 
and our readers may save money by making 
use of the facilities he offers. 

L. E. Belknap, Manufacturer of Light and 
Heavy Wagons of High Grade Only ; Special 
Attention Given to Eepairing ; All Work War- 
ranted to give Satisfaction ; Memorial Square, 
Cor. School and Spruce Streets, Milford, Mass. 
— A manufacturer, who confines himself to the 
production of high grade articles, should be in 
a position to turn out work equal to the best, 
for goods, which are claimed to be of the first 
quality, are, of course, subjected to the most 
severe comparisons that can be made. Well, 
Mr. L. E. Belknap can safely challenge com- 
parison of his productions with those of other 
makers, for he makes a specialty of the manu- 
facture of light and heavy wagons of high 
grade, and his vehicles are strictly first-class 
in every respect. Mr. Belknap was born in 
Milford, and is very widely known in this 
vicinity. The premises utilized by him are of 
the dimensions of 30 x 50 feet, exclusive of 
storage sheds, and are fitted up with the latest 
improved facilities for wagon manufacturing 
and repairing, particular attention being given 
to the latter work, and no pains being spared 
to combine neatness and durability in the fill- 
ing of every order. Employment is afforded to 
two competent assistants, and commissions 
will be executed at very short notice. Mr. Bel- 
knap always has a stock of wagons on hand, and 
those wishing to purchase a thoroughly de- 
pendable vehicle at a fair price, would do well 
to call at the corner of School and Spruce 
Streets, and see what he has to offer. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MILFORD. 



11 



P. L. Holmes & Co., Commissioa Mer- 
■Chants in Chicago Dressed Beef, Kefrigerator 
Building, near Providence and Worcester 
Freigiit Depot, Milford, Mass. — Tiiis is a rapid 
age, and the public have become accustomed to 
seeing great enterprises built up in a compara- 
tively short time, but the growth of the trade 
in "Chicago Dressed Beef" has been truly 
phenomenal, even in these days of push and 
energy. While freely conceding that the supe- 
rior merits of the products would have won for 
it a cordial reception here in the East, even had 
its sale been placed in comparatively incompe- 
tent hands, we may still admire the liberality 
and business tact of those who have introduced 
it to New England consumers, and caused it to 
be handled by every retailer of any account. A 
very large amount of Chicago Dressed Beef is 
required to supply the demand in Milford and 
vicinity, and the firm of F. L. Holmes & Co. 
handle it by the car-load, and place them- 
selves in a position to fill all orders at the 
shortest possible notice. They do an exclusive- 
ly wholesale business, and occupy the Refrig- 
erator Building, near the Providence & Wor- 
cester Freight Depot. This concern is consti- 
tuted of Messrs. F. L. Holmes, R. E. Holmes 
and E. C. Swift, the first-named gentleman be- 
ing resident in Holyoke, the second in AVorces- 
ter, and the third in Boston. Mr. George E. 
Houghton has been manager of the Milford 
establishment since May, 1888, and is deserved- 
ly popular among the firm's patrons, for he 
keeps the service at a high standard of efii- 
ciency, and spares no pains to ensure prompt 
and careful attention to every order. 



M. J. Reynolds, Dealer in Music, Station- 
ery, Toys, Periodicals, and Fancy Articles, 
Headquarters for Base Ball Goods, Fruit aud 
Confectionery, Cigars and Tobacco, 16G Main 
Street, Milford, Mass. — As a representative of 
an important branch of industry, the house of 
M. J. Reynolds may be appropriately mentioned 
as one of the leading firms in Milford engaged 
in the business of music, stationery and peri- 
odical dealer. This house was established a- 
bout 1880 by D. H. Bates, who was succeeded 
it 1888 by the present proprietor, Mr. M. J. 
Reynolds, and through his energy and ability 
displayed in its management, has secured a 
marked success. The premises occupied are 
located at No. 1G6 Main street, and are well 
stocked with a fine assortment of music, sta- 
tionery, toys, periodicals and fancy articles, 
together with fruit, confectionery and all the 
leading brands of cigars and tobacco. This es- 
tablishment is also headquarters for base ball 
goods, and the retail trade dooe in the above 
named goods extends throughout Milford and 
vicinity. Mr. Reynolds is a native of Milford, 
and is well known throughout the community, 
and is collector of taxes. He combines a thor- 
ough practical knowledge of all branches of his 
business with liberality and abilitj^ and the fa- 
cilities enjoyed by him for the prompt atten- 
tion to customers, and the execution of all 
orders, are not surpassed by those of any com- 
petitive concern in Milford. 



J. L. Buxton, Machinist, and Manufactu- 
rer of Boot and Shoe Machinery, Peg Cutters, 
Welt Awls and Watch Case Springs a Special- 
ty. Milford, Mass. — The extent to which the 
manufacture of boots and shoes has been 
carried in Massachusetts, has resulted in the 
building up of various lines of business tribu- 
tary to this great industry, and among these 
the production of boot and shoe machinery 
must be given very prominent mention. Even 
the merest school boy knows that great im- 
provements have been made of late years in 
this class of machinery, and indeed it has now 
reached such a degree of perfection that only 
the most eflicient varieties of it can be dis- 
posed of, manufacturers appreciating the fact 
that they cannot afford to use anything but 
the best in these days of keen competition. 
Mr. J. L. Buxton has manufactured boot and 
shoe machinery for a number of years and is 
familiar with the points to be considered in 
the construction of such appliances. He is 
careful to use selected material only, and as 
he employs skilled assistants and maintains a 
well-appointed shop, it is not surprising that 
his productions should rank with the best in 
the market. A specialty is made of peg cut- 
ters, welt awls and seam sets. Mr. Buxton 
also manufactures watch case springs, of 
which he makes over 180 different kinds and 
sizes for American and Swiss watches, and he 
has recently added to his business the manu- 
facture of the new pattern wrench called the 
Benson Pipe Wrench. For easy and quick 
adjustment to diff"erent sized pipe, easily free- 
ing from the pipe, sure grip, strength and 
durability it stands equal if not superior to the 
best. The Benson wrench is made of cast 
steel, and is a first-class tool at a low price. 
All orders will be promptly attended to at 
prices as low as the lowest for first-class arti- 
cles. A general machine business is also done, 
repairing being neatly aud skillfully attended 
to at short notice. 

James S. Sherman, Granite Building 
Stone, Post Office Address, Milford, Mass.— 
Massachusetts granite has long been known as 
one of the most valuable building stones yet 
discovered, and indeed it would be difficult to 
imagine a stone combining a greater number 
of good qualities. Of course there is no build- 
ing material but what excels in some one re- 
spect, but when we come to sum up and com- 
pare the characteristics of those in common 
use, as for instance wood, iron, brick, stone, 
etc., it must be confessed that for some pur- 
poses stone leads them all and a good quality 
of granite leads all stones. The granite quar- 
ry controlled by Mr. James S. Sherman is a 
valuable piece of property, for the product is 
of uniform and superior quality and excites 
favorable comment whenever seen. The stone 
has certain characteristics which render it val- 
uable for building purposes, and architects and 
others interested would do well to secure sam- 
ples of it as they will often find use for such a 
grade of granite when carrying on their busi- 
nes". Mr. Sherman's post office address is Mil- 
ford, Mass., and all communications are as- 
sured prompt and careful attention. 



12 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MILFOBD. 



Goucher's Hotel, 47 Central street, Mil- 
ford, Mass. — A man's comfort and enjoyment 
when in a strange eitj' or town depends so 
much upon the character of the hotel he stops 
at, that very few men can form a favorable 
idea of the most enterprising and agreeable 
community when they are obliged to occupy 
uncomfortable rooms and eat unpalatable 
meals. Therefore it will be seen that the rep- 
utation a place bears outside its borders is apt 
to be materially influenced by the character of 
its hotel accommodations, and under these 
circumstances every public spirited person is 
interested in having visitors put up at houses 
that are managed skillfully and liberally, but 
even the finest accommodations may not be 
satisfactory if the terms of the house are so 
high as to be beyond the means of the average 
traveler, and the popularity of Goucher's 
hotel located at No. 47 Central street is not 
therefore due alone to the pains taken to secure 
the welfare of guests, but also to the moderate 
prices. The hotel of which Mr. Alfred Gouch- 
er is the proprietor and located at the above 
named address is conducted on the European 
plan and has been newly furnished and fitted 
up in an elaborate as well as convenient man- 
ner possessing all the modern conveniences and 
parties from out of town will find this a nice 
place to stop. The restaurant will be well sup- 
plied with all the products of the season, and 
the system in force is so perfect that a large 
number of people can be accommodated witli- 
out the least confusion or delay. The estab- 
lishment under consideration has been under 
the management of Mr. Goucher since 1872. 
He is assiduous in promoting the comfort of 
his guests, and has made his hotel one of the 
most popular in Milford. 



W. H. Pyne, Dealer in Boots, Shoes and 
Rubbers, 124 Main Street, Milford, Mass.— Mr. 
W. H. Pyne is a native of Milford and we need 
hardly say, is very generally known about 
town. Since 1888 he has carried on a boot and 
shoe store at No. 124 Main street and has built 
up an extensive business, first by carrying a 
very full and carefully selected stock, and sec- 
ond by quoting prices that are satisfactory to 
the most economically inclined. The premises 
utilized measure 18x.50 feet, and excellent pro- 
vision is made therein for the comfort and con- 
venience of customers who may depend upon 
prompt and polite attention and who will be 
given every opportunity to make an intelhgent 
and satisfactory choice, for Mr. Pyne never 
misrepresents goods himself or permits those 
in his employ to do so. Every description of 
fine footwear is kept on hand, and ladies, gen- 
tlemen, misses, youths and children will all 
find their wants provided for, the assortment 
of sizes and styles being very complete, and 
the goods offered being obtained from the most 
reliable sources. It must be a very peculiarly 
shaped foot that Mr. Pyne cannot fit, and those 
who have experienced diflSculty in finding foot- 
wear that was at once shapely, perfect-fitting, 
easy and durable, would do well to give this 
establishment a call and see what he can do for 
them. 



S. A. Brock, (Successor to J. W. Harris.) 
Manufacturer and Dealer in Builders' Hard- 
ware, Stoves, Furnaces, Crockery, Glass, Sil- 
ver Plated Ware, Farming Tools, etc., 160 
Main Street, Milford, Mass. — Mr. S. A. Brock 
carries a fine stock of builders' hardware, 
stoves, furnaces, etc., and also deals extensive- 
ly in crockery, glass and silver-plated ware as 
well as in farming tools and similar commodi- 
ties. He is a native of Bethel, Maine, and has 
carried on his present enterprise since 1887, hav- 
ing then succeeded Mr. J. W. Harris. The 
premises occupied are located at No. 160 Main 
street, and comprise one floor and a basement 
measuring 20 x 80 feet, and a two-stojy shop 
in the rear. Employment is given to two compe- 
tent assistants, and orders for roofing, plumb- 
ing or general jobbing are assured immediate 
and painstaking attention. Mr. Brock manu- 
factures tinware quite extensively, and is pre- 
pared to do tinsmithing in first-class style and 
at low rates. He handles the leading makes of 
stoves and furnaces, and those in need of a 
good cooking or heating stove may save time, 
trouble and money perhaps by giving him a 
call, as he recommends no stove that he is not 
confident will give the best of satisfaction, and 
quotes prices as low as the lowest, quality con- 
sidered. Information will cheerfully be given 
on application, and callers are sure of receiving 
prompt and polite attention under all circum- 
stances. The latest novelties in' crockery, 
glass and plated-ware are at hand to choose 
from, and every article in stock is guaranteed 
to prove precisely as represented in every re- 
spect. 



A. S Crofoot, Tin and Sheet Iron Worker, 
Stove, Furnace, and Pump Work, and Jobbing 
promptly attended to. School street, Milford. 
— There are more things being made out of 
tin, and sheet iron every year and as many of 
these things are used in every household, it is 
a matter of general interest to know where 
such can be best obtained or repaired, when 
repairs are necessary. There is one establish- 
ment at least with which we are familiar, and 
which we cheerfully recommend to our read- 
ers, and that is the one conducted b)^ Mr. A. 
S. Crofoot, on School street. This gentleman 
founded the above establishment in 1883, and 
has been identified with this line of work for 
over twenty years. An extensive business has 
been built up. Tin and sheet iron work of all 
kinds is done here, and the work is always 
reliable and the prices ai'e low enough to suit 
the most economical. Stove, furnace and 
pump work and general jobbing of all kinds in 
this line is given especially prompt and careful 
attention and satisfaction is guaranteed for the 
best materials are used and the work is care- 
fully and thoroughly done. Mr. Crofoot is a 
native of Douglas, Mass., and takes personal 
pride in seeing that the high reputation now 
enjoyed by his establishment is not injured by 
hasty or careless work, and as he has had many 
years of experience in all branches of his busi- 
ness, he is thoroughly able to execute all or- 
ders entrusted to his care in a most satisfactory 
and workmanlike manner. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MILFORD. 



13 



Mrs. H. S. Swan, Dealer ia Millinery and 
Fancy Goods, Mechanics Block, Mllford, Mass. 
— Enterprise and sagacity in the selection of 
goods and good taste, liberality and accom- 
modations in the arrangement and sale of 
them are enough to ensure success of any 
business undertaking, and some of those loud- 
mouthed philosophers who are so fond of dis- 
claiming as to the unfitness of women for mer- 
cantile pursuits, would do well to stop talk- 
ing long enough to investigate for themselves 
such cases of success in this line as we have 
become conversant with in the preparation of 
this book. One of the most pronounced of 
them is the one to which we propose to allude 
in this article, and of itself is enough to dem- 
monstrate that no monopoly of the qualities 
which bring about prosperity in business, is 
held by man. Mrs. H. 8. Swan opened the 
establishment she has since conducted with 
strict honesty and profit to her many patrons 
in Milford in 1873, so that a sufficient time 
has since elapsed to enable an intelligent judg- 
ment to be formed as to the result attained. 
She is engaged in the retailing of millinery 
and fancy goods, feathers, fiowers, etc., and 
has built up a patronage which could never 
have reached its present proportions had not 
genuine and continuous inducements been 
offered to the public. Four capable assistants 
are constantly employed and the store occu- 
pied is located in Mechanics block, and is 30x 
70 feet in dimensions, and such arrangements 
are in force as to permit of every customer 
receiving prompt and careful attention. Mrs. 
Swan quotes very low prices on the articles 
handled, and depends more upon the extensive 
sales than upon large profits for the reward 
of her exertions. 

G. B. Knight, Retail Dealer in Meats 
and Provisions, No. 171 Main Street, Milford, 
Mass. — The gentleman whose card we print 
above has been engaged in his present line of 
business for just about thirty-nine years, for 
it was in 1851 that he first opened his doors to 
the public. Of the comparative standing of 
his enterprise we need say but little ; every- 
body who knows Milford at all intimately, 
knows of Mr. G. B. Knight's store and there is 
not a meat market in town that is worthy of 
more unreserved commendation. Mr. Knight 
was born in Maine, and holds a high 
place in the esteem of many of the residents of 
Milford and vicinity. The premises now occu- 
pied by him are located at 171 Main Street, and 
measure 18x.50 feet in dimensions. Employ- 
ment is given to experienced and well-inform- 
ed assistants, and customers are at all times as- 
sured courteous attention and polite and fair 
treatment. Mr. Knight gives particular atten- 
tion to supplying family trade, and the advan- 
tages he offers to those dealing with him are 
sufficiently pronounced to fully account for 
the business done in this line. Meats in large 
variety, and provisions of all seasonable kinds 
are always in stock, and those wishing any- 
thing in the above named lines of food supply 
should patronize the establishment in question 
as the prices quoted here are as low as any in 
town. 



H. C. Ross, Granite Quarry, Peter Ross, 
Agent. Milford, Mass. — Granite has long been 
a favorite stone for building purposes, but of 
late years it has become more popular than 
ever and is now used in buildings of about 
every description to a greater or less extent. 
To the ordinary observer there is but little dif- 
ference in granite,- that is, aside from obvious 
differences of coloring such as pink granite, 
grey granite etc., but those familiar with the 
stone are aware that there is a great variation 
in it, and that some quarries produce a far 
superior article to that found at other quarries 
close by. One of the most valuable of our 
Milford quarries is that controlled by Mr. Peter 
Ross, agent, and the uniform excellence of the 
product is so remarkable that a ready and prof- 
itable market is assured at all time«. Mr. 
Ross sells to contractors and employs seven as- 
sistants, being prepared to fill orders at short 
notice and to quote prices that are genuinely- 
low considering the superiority of the product. 




Henry S. Cushman, Manufacturer of 
Heavy and Light Fine Harnesses, also on 
hand Sale Harnesses at low price?. Horse 
Blankets, Storm Covers, Whips, Lap Robes, 
Horse Collars, Trunks, Bags. Repairing promp- 
ly and faithfully executed. 138 Main Street, 
Milford, Mass. — Mr. Henry S. Cushman is well 
and favorably known to the residents of Mil- 
ford and vicinity, and the enterprise conducted 
by him is probably even better known, for it 
was inaugurated a long time ago, being carried 
on for some years by Mr. Smith Cushman be- 
fore the present proprietor assumed possession 
in 1878. He is a native of Scituate, R. I., and 
gives his business clo«e per-onal attention, 
sparing no pains to maintain the enviable repu- 
tation so long associated with it. Mr. Cush- 
man is a manufacturer of Heavy and Light 
Fine Harnesses and also de;ils extensively in 
Sale Harnesses; quoting the lowest market 
rates and guaranteeing every article that he 
sells to prove prt^clsely as represented. His 
establishment is located at No. 138 Main St., 
and occupies one floor of the dinippsions of 
80x25 feet. The stock on hand is both exten- 
sive and varied, and includes not only Har- 
nesses but also Horse Blankets, Storm Covers, 
Whips, Lap Robes, Horse Collars, and Horse 
Goods in general, together with a full line of 
Trunks, Bags, etc. Harnesses be made to order 
and particular attention is given to Repairing. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MILFORD. 



E. L. Temple, Successor to Gould & Sears, 
Photograph Eooms, all kinds of Pictures taken 
in the latest styles, Irving Block, opposite Post 
Oflace, Milford, Mass. — There has been a decid- 
ed elevation in the public taste of late years, 
and what was once considered entirely satis- 
factory would now be looked upon as distinct- 
ly inferior, particularly in photographic work. 
The most carefully finished photograph of even 
ten years ago would present but a sorry ap- 
pearance beside the productions of the best 
operators of today, for photography is an art 
as well as a science and ''progress" is the 
motto which must be followed to gain the 
highest success in it. There are some excel- 
lent photographers here in Milford, and among 
the list is Mr. E. L. Temple whose studio is lo- 
cated in Irving Block, opposite the Post Office. 
Mr. Temple is a successor to Messrs. Gould & 
Sears. His studio is equipped with the nec- 
essary apparatus for turning out work that 
will compare favorably with work from many 
more pretentious establishments. One is as- 
sured of getting a first-class likeness here, for 
no painsare spared to secure a result that will 
prove in every way satisfactory. Mr. Temple 
takes pictures of all kinds in the latest styles, 
particular attention being paid to children's 
pictures. Out door work of all kinds is done 
to order, and at short notice, copying is also 
done to order, and framing in all branches, is 
made a specialty and at very low prices. Mr. 
Temple employs one assistant, and guarantees 
his work to give satisfaction in both quality 
and price. 

■Within gton & Son, Dealers in Flour, Grain 
and Groceries, Pure Teas, Cofi'ees, Spices, etc., 
corner Main and Franklin Streets, Milford, 
Mass. — The "Flour, Grain and Grocery Store" 
carried on at the corner of Main and Franklin 
Street, is a very popular institution in this sec- 
tion of the town and there is no reason why 
it should not be as it affords an opportunity 
to buy standard goods at bottom prices and is 
all the more able to quote the lowest rates on 
account of doing so extensive a retail business. 
The firm carrying it on, Messrs. Withington & 
Son, is a most enterprising and energetic one. 
The premises utilized comprise one floor and a 
basement each 30x.o0 feet in dimensions, and 
contain a full stock of Flour, Grain and Choice 
Family Groceries, also Teas, Coffees and 
Spices, which will be found extremely fresh 
and desirable in every way. There are compe- 
tent assistants employed and orders are assured 
prompt and careful filling. The establishment 
under question v/as founded by J. H. Putnam 
followed in 1877 by S. A. Eastman and since 
1881 has been conducted by Messrs. Withington 
& Son. and the patronage as yet has not develop- 
ed to one half what may reasonably be ex- 
pected in the near future under existing con- 
ditions. The individual members of this firm 
are Mr. A. C. Withington, a native of Chester- 
field, N. H., and his son Mr. F. E. Withington of 
Milford. Both these gentlemen are very well 
known in social as well as business circles of 
Milford and vicinity, and Mr. A. C. Withington 
has held the office of Selectman, Assessor, Tax 
Collector, also Chief of the Fire Department. 



Gould's 5 and 10 Cent Variety Store, 

No. 84 Main Street, Milford. — Among those 
establishments which by general consent are 
accorded the leadership in their special line is 
that conducted by A. W. Gould at No. 84 Main 
Street, and "Gould's 5 and 10 Cent Store" as it 
is called, has no reason to avoid comparison 
with any similar enterprise in this town. We 
make this assertion advisedly and 
after a careful review of the subject and may 
add without egotism that we have had except- 
ional opportunities to form an adequate opin- 
ion regarding the comparative standing of any 
establishment of the sort mentioned. The en- 
terprise was established in 188.3 by the firm of 
Brocaw & Culver, the present proprietor as- 
suming full control of the business in 1886, and, 
has shown from the first that he would not be 
content with any second place in his line of 
business. Mr. Gould is a native of Franklin, 
Mass., and is widely known and highly esteem- 
ed in this community, because of his honorable 
business methods and the enterprise at his 
popular store. An extremely heavy stock is 
carried of Crockery, Glassware, Tinware and 
Woodenware in general, and a heavy retail, 
business is done. We need not inform those 
who have patronized this store, that all goods 
are sold at the very lowest rates, but to those 
who have not, we will say, no greater bargains 
are to be found in Milford, and certainly no 
such stock of goods from which to select. 

James B. Leonard, Dealer in Boots and 
Shoes, also Rubber Goods of all kinds, Milford, 
Mass. — In order to offer really attractive in- 
ducements to the public it is necessary to tho- 
roughly understand the goods in which you 
deal, and, therefore, when we say that Mr. 
James B. Leonard was for many years foreman 
in a shoe manufacturing establishment, it is 
equivalent to saying that he is in a position to 
give exceptional value to purchasers of boots,. 
shoes and footwear in general. He is a native 
of Middleboro, Mass., and served between three 
and four years during the Rebellion, afterwards 
acting as a clerk in the War Department during 
the years 1864, '65. Mr. Leonard opened his^ 
present establishment Dec. 7, 1889, occupy- 
ing elegant new quarters in Gillian's Block, the 
store having deep show-windows on each side 
of the entrance, and being fitted up through- 
out in accordance with the most approved mod- 
ern methods. The premises are of the dimen- 
sions of 90 X 30 feet, including the spacious 
back store, and the stock on hand is corre- 
spondingly extensive, comprising as it does a 
full line of all grades of boots and shoes, to- 
gether with an extensive assortment of rubber 
goods of every description. Mr. Leonard 
makes a leading specialty of fine footwear, but 
he caters to no one class of trade to the disad- 
vantage of others ; striving, on the contrary,, 
to offer genuine and strong inducements to the 
purchasing public in general. He is in a posi- 
tion to quote bottom prices ; to guarantee that 
every article shall prove just as represented,, 
and to assure immediate and intelligent service 
to all ; for besides giving personal attention to- 
the wants of customers, he employs three ex- 
perienced and efiicient assistants. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MILFOBD. 



15- 



Z. C. Field, Successor to Field Brothers, 
Wholesale and Retail dealer iu Eastern and 
Western Lumber of every description, Dimen- 
sion Frames direct from mills a specialty, Lum- 
ber Yard and Office on Front Street, Milford, 
Mass. — The business conducted by the late 
firm of Field Brothers has for years been one 
of the leading enterprises of the kind in this 
portion of the state. The firm was founded in 
1858, and with the exception of about five years 
that Mr. P. P. Field was doing business in Bos- 
ton, has carried on operations without change 
or interruption until Dec. 1, 1889, when the 
partnership was dissolved and the business di- 
vided, Mr. Z. C. Field retaining the lumber in- 
terests and Mr. P. P. Field the coal and wood 
business. Both gentlemen are natives of 
Maine, and are among the best known person- 
ally of all our local business men. Mr. Z. C. 
Field deals in Eastern and Western Lumber of 
every description, doing both a wholesale and 
a retail business and having such facilities as 
to enable the very heaviest orders to be filled 
without delay, while on the other hand the 
smallest commissions will be promptly and 
carefully executed. An immense stock is car- 
ried at all times. The Lumber office and yard 
are on Front Street. A leading specialty with 
this concern is the furnishing of Dimension 
Frames direct from the mills, and many orders 
of this description are filled, the prices quoted 
in connection with them being remarkably low. 
In fact, Mr. Field is in a position to name bot- 
tom figures and at the same time to supply 
commodities that cannot fail to give entire sat- 
isfaction. 



C. Sweeney, Meat and Vegetables, 79 Main 
Street, Milford. — It is perfectly safe to assert 
that the enterprise conducted by Mr. C. 
Sweeney ranks among the representative ones 
in this town, and his enterpi'ise is of the kind 
that pays too, for since succeeding James 
Darwin in 1887, he has built up a very prosper- 
ous business. The market utilized by Mr. 
Sweeney is located at No. 79 Main Street, and 
covers an area of 800 feet, being well fitted up 
and containing a fine assortment of beef, pork 
mutton, veal, lamb, etc., besides all kinds of 
vegetables iu their season. Mr. Sweeney gives 
careful personal attention to every detail of 
his business, and as two competent assistants 
are employed, he is able to handle his rapidly 
growing trade very easily. The residents of 
Milford know that meats, vegetables, etc., ob- 
tained from the establishment in question are 
sure to prove as represented, and they also 
know that both choice cuts and cheaper grades 
are here sold at the lowest market rates. We 
would therefore advise all interested readers, 
who have not already done so, to patronize the 
establishment of which Mr. C. Sweeney is the 
proprietor, and located at No. 79 Main Street, 
Milford, Mass. 



B. H. Spaulding, Manufacturer of Men's,. 
Boys' and Children's Straw Goods, Milford, 
Mass. — Among the more important of the many 
manufacturing establishments located in this 
town, that conducted by B. H. Spaulding holds 
a leading position, for he is one of the largest 
manufacturers of Straw Goods in the state, and 
his business has been built up during about 30* 
years of successful catering to the public taste. 
Mr. Spaulding was boi'n in Maine, and became 
identified with his present enterprise in 18G0, 
as a member of the firm of Slocum & Spauld- 
ing. In 1863 the style was changed to Morey 
& Spaulding, and in 1869 Mr. Spaulding be- 
came sole proprietor, renoaining so until 1878 
when the firm of B. H. Spaulding & Co., was 
formed, this partnership continuing up to 1882, 
at which date Mr. Spaulding again assumed 
entire control. The premises utilized are very 
spacious, the main building being four stories 
in height and 40x140 feet in dimensions, and 
having an ell of equal height, measuring 28x120' 
feet. A commodious storehouse is also avail- 
able. The factory is excellently arranged, and 
is equipped throughout with the latest im- 
proved facilities for the manufacture of Men's, 
Boy's and Children's Straw Goods of all kinds. 
Mr. Spaulding employs from 200 to 250 assist- 
ants, and produces about 10,000 cases per an- 
num. There is no difficulty in disposing of 
these goods for they are very widely and favor- 
ably known among the trade, and are in fact 
conceded to be unsurpassed as regards that 
uniformity of excellence which is one of the 
strongest recomendations any manufactured 
product can have. Orders can be filled at com- 
paratively short notice, and we need hardly 
say that Mr. Spaulding is in a position to quote 
the very lowest market rates. 

■William M. Sherman, Granite Quarry, 
Milford, Mass., Postoffice Address, Braggville, 
Mass. — A review of the business interests of 
Milford and vicinity which contained no men- 
tion of the many granite quarries in town 
would be looked upon as strangely incomplete 
and yet it is difficult to find anything new to 
say about these very important sources of 
wealth, as their leading characteristics are 
already well-known to the large majority of 
our readers. Among those most prominently 
identified with the granite trade must be men- 
tioned Mr. William M. Sherman, and any of 
our readers looking for a superior article of 
granite for building purposes would do well 
to give this gentleman a call, for he can satis- 
fy them if anybody can and he is in a position 
to fill orders with very little delay when haste 
is desirable. Mr. Sherman's postoffice address 
is Braggville, Mass., and all communications 
by mail or otherwise are assured prompt and 
painstaking attention. Estimates will be 
cheerfully furnished, and we may say here 
that no one is better prepared to quote bottom 
prices on large or small lots. 



16 



LEADINO BUSINESS MEN OF MILFOBD. 




M. F. Green, Dealer in Ladies' Misses,' 
Childrea's aud Infants' Cloaks, Shawls, Jer- 
seys, Calico Wrappers, Hosiery, Underwear, 
etc., 118 Main Street, MUford, Mass. — The 
establishment carried on by M. F. Green at 
No. 118 Main Street is one well known to the 
public, for it is tlie only one between Boston 
and Worcester. It has been conducted by the 
present proprietor since 1884, and it is only 
fair to say that the propi-ietor fully deserves 
the high reputation for honorable dealing 
which he now enjoys. Tha store affords ample 
accommodations for an exceptionally large and 
complete assortment of goods, comprising the 
latest and most fashionable novelties as well as 
all the many standard articles coming under 
the head of Ladies' Misses' Children's and In- 
fants Cloaks, Shawls, Jerseys, Calico Wrap- 
pers, Hosiery, Underwear, etc. Three well- 
informed assistants are constantly in attend- 
ance and all visitors to this establishment are 
assured prompt and courteous attention. The 
proprietor. M. F. Green, is a native of Milford, 
and i^ well known personally throughout this 
vicinity, and the efforts he has made to cater 
to the purchasing public by offering strictly 
reliable goods at fair prices have been very 
favorably commented upon. The past and 



present policy of this gentleman has been and 
is to give every customer the full worth of his 
money, and under these circumstances the suc- 
cess he has won must be regarded as well- 
deserved. 

Mrs. O. M. Adams, Dealer in Fancy 
Goods, also Daily and Weekly Newspapers, 
Stationery, Toys, Picture Frames to order, 
Sewing Machine Supplies, Machines repaired, 
110 Main Street, Milford, Mass. — The establish- 
ment now conducted by Mrs. O. M. Adams, 
was inaugurated in 1868 by Mr. O. M. Adams, 
and since his death which occurred in 1887. 
Mrs. Adams has assumed entire control of the 
business, and in fact the store was under her 
charge for years previous to her husband's 
death, he being engaged in outside work. Mrs. 
Adams is a native of Willington, Conn., and 
has a large circle of friends in this vicinity. 
The store utilized is located at 110 Main Street* 
and is shared with Geo. H. Whittemore' 
Jeweler. A large and varied stock is carried' 
constantly of all the Daily and Weekly Papers, 
Stationery, Toys, etc., together with a desir- 
able line of Sewing Machine Supplies, Picture 
Frames are manufactured to order, and Ma- 
chines are repaired in the best manner pos- 
sible at short notice and at very reasonable 
prices. Two well-informed assistants are con- 
stantly employed, thus ensuring immediate 
and intelligent service to all patrons. Partic- 
ular attention is paid to the supplying of fash- 
ionable stationery and very low prices are 
quoted in this department. We would there- 
fore advise our readers who desire anything in 
the periodical or stationery line to call at the 
establishment conducted by Mrs. O. M. Adams 
and inspect her stock and prices. 

Dr. G. L. Cook, Dentist, 200 Main Street, 
Bank Block, Milford, Mass. — There are certain 
professional men, as well as business houses 
who have been before the public so long that 
their history has almost become a portion of 
that of the town and certainly no account of 
the one would be entirely complete without 
some mention of the other. Such is the record 
of Dr. G. L. Cook, who practises his profes- 
sion as a Dentist at No. 200 Main Street, Mil- 
ford. Here he occupies spacious and comfort- 
able rooms, equipped with all the modern ap- 
paratus and facilities, for the comfort and 
convenience of his patrons. The Dental estab- 
lishment now conducted by him was founded 
in 1852, by A. A. Cook and in 185.S the firm of 
A. A. & G. L. Cook was formed and so contin- 
ued until 1872 since which Dr. G. L. Cook has 
conducted his business in Bank Block. It will 
thus be seen that he has had an exceptional 
experience in his profession, and indeed there 
are few Dentists more skillful in practical 
work than he. Dr. Cook is a graduate of the 
Baltimore Dental College and is prepared to 
undertake any and all dental operations, and 
may be relied upon to give the best possible 
advise and treatment to those who may honor 
him with their patronage. He is a native of 
Hadley, Mass., and is highly esteemed through- 
out Milford and vicinity and is a member of the 
Board of School Commitee. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MILFOBD. 



17 




Mansion House, Hapgood & Mayliew, I 
Proprietors, Carriages to and from all trains, ' 
Hack, Livery, Boarding and Sale Stable cou- 
oected, Carraiges furnished for all occasions, 
Milford, Mass. — Many strangers visit such a 
town as Milford every day, and to the large 
majority of them, the subject of hotel accom- 
modations is of the first importance and no in- 
formation will be more useful and acceptable 
than that pertaining to the subject mentioned. 
Therefore as this book is assured a very wide 
circulation outside of Miford as well as within 
its limits, we take pleasure in making promin- 
ent mention of the "Mansion House," for we 
are confident that those who may act on our 
advice and put up at the hotel in question, will 
have no reason to regret it, but on the contrary 
will thank us for having caused them to do so. 
The Mansion House is centrally and con- 
veniently located on Main Street, and is a spa- 
cious and well designed structure containing 
sixty guest rooms. It was established about 
seventeen years ago by Mr. Lewis Fisher, and 
has been in the hands of the present proprietors 
since 1879, and at no time in its history was it 
more ably managed or more generally patron- 
ized. The firm is made up of S. E. Hap- 
good, a native of Maine, and J. S. Mayhew 
of Milford who is one of the directors of the 
Home National Bank. Both parties are so 
widely and favorably known in Milford and 
vicinity, that extended personal mention be- 
comes unnecessary. They give constant and 
careful attention to the general supervision of 
aflfairs, and employ fourteen assistants, guests 
being thus assured prompt and efficient service. 
The house is very comfortably furnished from 
top to botton, and every portion of the prem- 
ises is kept in the very best of condition ; neat- 
ness being a prominent characteristic of the 
management, and being insisted upon in the 
smallest detail. An excellent Hack, Livery, 
Boarding and Sale Stable is connected with 
this hotel, where carriages are furnished for all 
occasions, also to and from all trains. 

Hoyt & Hill, Plumbers, Hot Water, Steam 
and Gas Fitters, Globes, Fixtures and Burners, 
Draining and Ventilating a specialty. Main St., 
near Jefferson, Milford, Mass. — Health, com- 
fort, and true economy all demand that our 
jjOuses should be as perfectly heated as possible, 



and, generally speaking, it must be 
conceded that Hot Water heating 
apparatus gives the very best re- 
sults yet attained. But such appara- 
tus must be properly designed, prop- 
erly constructed and properly set up 
in order to get satisfaction, and 
therefore before placing an order 
for such a plant it is well to satisfy 
oneself that the parties to whom it 
is proposed to give it, know their 
business and are responsible as well 
as skillful. Certainly no mistake will 
be made in patronizing Messrs. Hoyt 
& Hill, for these gentlemen make a 
specialty of Plumbing, Steam, Hot 
Water and Gas Fitting. Mr. Frank 
J. Hoyt's Gas Fitting record since he 
began operations here some years 
ago, is such as to entitle him to the 
full confidence of the public. He is a native 
of Boston, Mass., and has a large number of 
friends throughout this vicinity. Mr. Charles 
A. Hill is a native of Milford, but for 15 years 
has been connected with the hardware trade in 
Boston. The partnership was formed in 
October, 1889, under the firm name of Hoyt & 
Hill. The store utilized is located on Main 
Street, near Jefferson. Employment is given 
to six assistants and orders for Plumbing, Hot 
Water, Steam or Gas Fitting will be given 
immediate and painstaking attention. A good 
stock of plumbers' findings, Globes, Burners, 
and Engineers Supplies, etc., are constantly on 
hand, ventilation is made a specialty. Moder- 
ate charges are made and the work is guaran- 
teed to give satisfaction, and to be done at 
short notice. 

W. Chapin, Agt., Meats, Vegetables and 
Canned Goods, 116 Main Street, Milford, Mass. 
— The world grows wiser as it grows older, 
and the time when it was thought that true 
economy was to be attained by stinting the 
food supply has gone by, never to return. It 
has been discovered that a man can do more 
work, do it better and do it easier when he has 
an abundance of substantial and nutritious 
food than under different conditions, and peo- 
ple live better and live longer since this princi- 
ple was established and put into practice. In 
order to purchase meats and other "substan- 
tials" to the best advantage some little dis- 
crimination is necessary, and in this connec- 
tion we may call attention to the establishment 
carried on by Mr. W. Chapin at No. 116 Main 
Street, for here may always be found a choice 
assortment of Meats, Vegetables and Canned 
Goods, and the prices quoted are satisfactory 
as the goods themselves. Mr. Chapin makes a 
specialty of Family ti-ade and his stock is skill- 
fully selected with a particular view to the re- 
quirements of this class of patronage. Mr. 
Chapin is a native of Milford, and is thorough- 
ly conversant with his business in all its 
branches, having had twelve years of exper- 
ience in this line of trade previous to his suc- 
ceeding Mr. Walter Phips in 1889. The goods 
offered by him are in every instance fully guar- 
anteed to prove as represented, and large and 
small buyers receive equally prompt and polite 
attention. 2 



18 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MILFOBD. 




New York Boot and Shoe Store, No. 

170 Main Street, Milford, Mass.— The enter- 
prise carried on under tlie management of Mr. 
M. A. Saunders at No. 170 Main Street, was in- 
augurated in 1872. The New Yorli Boot and 
Shoe Store, is very favorably known through- 
out Milford, and it is generally conceded that 
at no similar establishment can the customer 
get more genuine value for money paid. Mr. 
Saunders is very widely known and highly 
esteemed here. He has had a great deal of ex- 
perience in his present line of business and 
not only knows a good shoe when he sees it but 
takes pains to represent things to his patrons 
precisely as they are, a fact which naturally 
has much to do with the popularity of his 
store and his methods. A carefuUj' selected 
stock of Boots, Shoes and Kubbers is constant- 
ly on hand, and those who appreciate stylish, 
perfect fitting and comfortable foot-wear will 
find a complete assortment of such goods here 
to choose from. Mr. Saunders caters to all 
classes of trade and guarantees to suit the most 
fastidious, as regards style, fit and durability. 
Moderate prices are quoted, and orders can be 
filled at very short notice. 



E. A. Hart's Restaurant and Dining Rooms, 
No. 4 Jefterson Street, Milfoi d. — The establish- 
ment carried on by Mr. E. A. Hart is just the 
kind of a place which it would be useful for 
many of those visiting Milford to know about, 
for excellent meals are furnished by him at 
very reasonable prices, and regular boarders 
are accommodated in a thoroughly satisfactory 
manner at moderate rates. Tne restaurant has 
a seating capacity for 60 guests, and board bj' 
the day or week can be obtnined. Mr. Hart 
has conducted this business so successfully 
that it has become one of the '•'^institutions" of 
Milford, its reputation by no means being con- 
fined to this town. Mr. Hart has worked hard 
to build up a business and certainly deserves 
whatever success he has won. The food is of 
excellent quality and is well cooked, and the 
prices are very low consideiing the service 
rendered. Mr. Hart employs three assistants 
and gives his personal attention to the details of 
his business so that patrons are sure of prompt 
and pleasing service. 



T. N. Sherman & Co., Dealers in all kind& 
of Granite Building Stone. Pink Granite a 
Specialty. P. O. Address, Braggville, Mass, 
Quarry, Milford, Mass. — The supply of granite 
in this state is practically inexhaustible, and 
comprises such a great variety of stones suit- 
able for moQumental and building purposes as 
to enable special kinds adapted to any partic- 
ular use to be furnished. The hardness of 
granite has of course interfered somewhat with 
its use, as it is comparatively difficult and ex- 
pensive to work, but this very hardness is one 
of its most valuable properties, especially for 
a stone that is to be exposed to our New Eng- 
land climate. Improved tools and methods of 
quarrying, cutting, etc., have reduced the 
expense of granite very considerably and it is 
coming more and more into use with every 
succeeding year. Among the best-known of 
the Milford concerns handling this material,- 
stands the firm of T. N. Sherman & Co., who 
deal in all kinds of granite building stone, but 
make pink granite a specialty. Employment 
is given to from 10 to 25 assistants, according 
to the season, and the very heaviest orders cart 
be filled at short notice, and at prices in strict 
accordance with the lowest market rates. The 
quarry is in Milford, but the firm's post-office 
address is Braggville, Mass., where all com- 
munications may be sent in the full assurance 
that they will receive immediate and painstak- 
ing attention. 



Mathewson Bros., Successor to S. Math- 
ewson, Manufacturer of and Dealer in Bread, 
Cake, Pastry, and Crackers of all kinds. 62: 
Central street, Milford, Mass. — The Bakery of 
which the late Mr. S. Mathewson was the pro- 
prietor is one of the '' institutions " of Milford 
for it was established in 1851 and has since 
held a leading position among the most truly 
representative undertakings located in that 
wide-awake town. Operations were begun by 
Messrs. Hastings & Mathewson, but from 186& 
to 1889 Mr. S. Mathewson had sole control. 
The business has now passed into the hands of 
his sons, Mr. Frank E. and Wm. A. Mathewson 
both of whom are too generally known through- 
out Milford and vicinity to need extended per- 
sonal mention. Mathewson Brothers are man- 
ufacturers of and dealers in bread, cake, pastry 
and crackers of all kinds, and occupy premi- 
ses located at No. 62 Central street. One 
rotary oven and three brick ovens are utilized 
and employment is given to 18 assistants, both 
a wholesale and retail business being done. 
Five teams are run in connection with the 
business and the demand for the goods is a& 
steady as it is large for it has not been created 
in a day but is the proper result of years of 
close and intelligent application to business. 
Although their goods have long held a stand- 
ard position in the market, Mathewson Bros, 
take as much pains in their production as ever 
and use only carefully chosen material in every 
department of their manufacture. They are 
excellently prepared to meet all honorable 
competition and quotes the lowest market 
rates to both wholesale and retail buyers. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MILFOBD. 



19 



■William Came, Manufacturer of Build- 
ing Trimmings, Store and Office Fixtures, 
Cabinet Work, etc. At Eastman's Steam Mill, 
Jtlilford, Mass. — The extensive use now made 
of machinery in the manufacture of builder's 
finish, has resulted in the cost of such articles 
being very materially reduced, and the conse- 
quence is that houses can be mucli more elabo- 
rately and conveniently fitted up than would 
once have been possible for any owners but 
the very wealthy. Of late years it has become 
fashionable to fit up stores and offices in an 
elegant and sumptuous manner, and indeed so 
generally is this custom followed at the pres- 
ent time, that in many cases a plain office is 
looked upon by the public as evidence that the 

f)arty occupying it lacks either enterprise or 
iberality. Of course such a judgment may be 
unjust but it is very natural nevertheless, and 
business men would do well to bear this in 
mind and act accordingly. It is surprising 
how far quite a modest sum of money will go 
when properly expended in this direction, and 
in no way can it be more judiciously expended 
than by placing the order with Mr. William 
Came who has a very thoroughly equipped 
shop at Eastman's steam mill, and makes a 
specialty of the manufacture of store and office 
fixtures, building trimmings, cabinet work, 
etc. This business was formerly carried on 
by Mr. W. H. Hooker, but has been controlled 
entirely by the present proprietor since 1888. 
He is a native of England, and had charge as 
superintendent of the business for some years 
before becoming the owner of it. From three 
to seven assistants are employed, and all 
orders can be filled at short notice and in a 
thoroughly workmanlike manner. Mr. Carne 
quotes very low prices, and those wishing any- 
thing in his line may save money here. 

Waldo B. Whiting, Dealer in Dry Goods, 
Corner of Main and Jefferson streets, Milford, 
Mass. — The secret of successfully carrying on 
a retail store is after all no secret at all, for 
every observing person knows that honorable 
business methods and judicious enterprise are 
sure to win the favor and patronage of the 
public. A large and varied stock of dry goods 
well selected and properly displayed, is sure 
to attract attention and if the prices placed 
upon the articles composing it, are reasonable, 
the goods are bound to sell as a matter of 
course. Therefore no further explanation is 
required in connection with the business done 
by Mr. Waldo B. Whiting at the corner of 
Main and Jefferson streets. This gentleman 
has the right kind of prices, and customers are 
sure of the right kind of treatment, so that the 
business is of necessity prosperous. It was 
established by Mr. E. McKay and since 1889 
has been under the entire control of the present 
proprietor, Mr. Waldo B. Whiting. He is a 
native of Holliston, Mass., and is well-known 
throughout Milford. The premises in use 
cover an area of 20x60 feet, and the stock on 
hand includes everything generally found at 
a first-class dry goods store. Two competent 
assistants are employed, no misrepresentation 
is practiced here and the proprietor strives to 
supply goods at prices as low as the lowest. 



T. Quirk, Dealer in Coal, Wood and Gener- 
al Jobbing ; Cor. Pond and Main Streets, Mil- 
ford, Mass. — Mr. T. Quirk has been in business 
in Milford for about a score of years, and the 
steady and large growth of his trade during 
that time affords convincing evidence that his 
methods are of a kind that '' wear well," and 
so are permanently popular with the purchas- 
ing public. At first Mr. Quirk confined him- 
self to dealing in wood, but in 1878 he added 
groceries to his stock in trade, and about two 
years ago he began to handle coal. The main 
store is 30 x 50 feet in dimensions, and contains 
a very heavy stock of staple and fancy grocer- 
ies, selected expressly for family use and made 
up of articles that are sure to suit the most 
critical. The assortment of canned goods is 
especially worthy of favorable mention, for 
it comprises the productions of the leading 
packers and includes about every thing in the 
line of preserved fruits, vegetables, etc. A 
spacious store-house is also utilized and Mr. 
Quirk's sons, S. C. J. Quirk and F. T. Quirk 
have the management largely of the store and 
a sufficient number of assistants are employed 
to assure prompt attention to every caller. 
The wood yard is commodious and well-fitted 
up, and enough storage capacity is available 
to accommodate 2000 tons of coal. Mr. Quirk 
makes a practice of quoting bottom prices in 
every department of his business, and his long 
experience and favorable relations with pro- 
ducers and wholesalers enable him to meet all 
competition very easily. Orders are delivered 
promptly when promised, and the goods are 
sure to give entire satisfaction as they will 
prove precisely as represented. 



Mrs. Everett Cheney, Dealer in Books, Sta- 
tionery, Periodicals, Music, Fancy Goods, etc., 
Confectionery and Cigars, 136 Main street, 
Milford, Mass.— The stock of fine books, sta- 
tionery, etc., carried by Mrs. Everett Cheney 
at her store located at No. 136 Main street, is 
a most attractive one for it comprises the very 
latest fashionable novelties in this line as well 
as a full collection of more staple goods. Mrs. 
Everett Chene}^ is a native of Milford, and has 
carried on her present enterprise since the 
death of Mr. Cheney which occurred in 1887. 
Mr. Cheney had been identified with the busi- 
ness for twenty years, having established ifc 
about 1867. The premises utilized are 20x50 
feet in dimensions, and it would be hard to 
find a more attractive or generally popular 
store in town. Besides books, stationery and 
periodicals, Mrs. Cheney deals largely in 
music, fancy goods, toys, etc., and also sells 
confectionery, cigars, fruit, soda, etc., and in 
short handles so many desirable articles that 
it is no wonder that her trade should be con- 
stantly increasing, especially as all goods are 
fully guaranteed to prove as represented and 
low prices are quoted in every department. 
Three well-informed assistants are employed 
and callers may depend upon receiving imme- 
diate and courteous attention, and also upon 
being entirely satisfied with whatever they 
may buy at this popular store. 



20 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MILFOBD. 




Dempsey established 
his business ia 1878, 
and now does an ex- 
clusively retail trade 
and caters especially 
to family trade, era- 
ploying two assist- 
ants, and filling large 
or small orders with- 
out delay. We have 
spoken of his carry- 
ing choice cuts, but 
also wish to call at- 
tention to the fact 
that his stock is by 
no means confined to 
such goods, but com- 
prise everything usu- 
ally found in a first- 
class provision store, 
whether you want 
soup stock or tender- 
loin steak, you can 
get it here, and at 
prices as low as the 
market will allow. 



Joseph F. Hickey, Dealer in Dry and 
Fancy Goods, 147 Main St., Milford, Mass.— 
The establishment carried on by Mr. Joseph 
F. Hickey, and devoted to the sale of Dry and 
Fancy Goods, Cloaks, etc., has been conducted 
by its present proprietor since 1884. Mr. 
Hickey is a native of Milford, and has been 
School Committee and Trustee of Library. 
He has increased his business to a considerable 
extent during the past five years, for he has 
built up a very large trade, his store being 
among the best iu town. It is located at 147 
Main St., and although having an area of 22x106 
feet(with well lighted basement of same dimen- 
sions), is none too lai-ge to accommodate 
the heavy stock carried. The policy pursued 
in the management of the enterprise is most 
satisfactory to all concerned, and when we add 
that the latest novelties are obtained as good as 
they appear in the New York and Boston 
markets, and that a full line of staple goods is 
constantly carried, while bottom prices are 
quoted in every department, and prompt and 
polite attention is assured to every caller by 
the employment of ten competent assistants, 
ye think that our readers will agree that the 
increasing popularity of this representative 
store is well merited and is sure to continue. 



M. Dempsey, Meats, Vegetebles, &c., 
Milord, Mass.— The meat market conducted by 
Mr. M. Dempsey, is located at No. 39 Centriil 
Street, and is so convenient to reach that the 
establishment is liberally patronized. But 
there are other reasons besides convenience of 
location for the popularity of this market, 
and not the least of these is the fact that the 
customers are always sure to get just what 
they pay for. If you order first class meat, 
you may depend upon getting it every time, 
for Mr. Dempsey always carries a full assort- 
ment of choice cuts, and is prepared to supply 
the same at the very lowest market rates. Mr. 



Dr. George Phelps Cooke, Surgeon Den- 
tist, Grant Block.— One who has practised 
dentistry for seventeen years must necessarily 
have had great experience in the minutest de- 
tails of his profession, and, as Dr. George P. 
Cooke began operations in 1872, it is superfiu- 
ous to add that he is thoroughly familiar with 
every department of practical dentistry. His 
reputation as a skillful and careful operator is 
by no means confined to Milford, but extends 
throughout this section of the state, and as a 
natural consequence many of his patients 
travel a considerable distance to obtain the 
benefit of his service. In the case of so old- 
established and widely-known a practitioner it 
would be almost impertinent for us to eulo- 
gize his methods, and praise the result attained, 
so we will simply say that the residents of 
Milford and vicinity are to be congratulated on 
having a dentist of such practical experience 
located in their midst. This dental establish- 
ment was founded in 1851 under the manage- 
ment of Messrs. A. A. and J. L. Cooke, who 
were succeeded in 1872 by Messrs. A. A. and 
Geo. P. Cooke the last named gentleman as- 
suming full control of the business in 1879. 
Dr. Geo. P. Cooke is a native of Oxford, Mass., 
and is a graduate of the Harvard Dental Col- 
lege and at one time had charge of the dental 
department at the Massachusetts General Hos- 
pital, and during the seventeen j^ears that he 
has devoted to the active duties of his profes- 
sion has so amply demonstrated his fitness for 
the delicate and responsible duties appertain- 
ing to it that we need not enlarge upon his 
skill, his thoroughness or his success. Suffice 
it to say that he is prepared to undertake dent- 
istry in all its branches, and that his charges 
are uniformly moderate. Dr. Cooke was elected 
representative from this district by a large 
majority vote in the last annual election — which 
fact emphasizes the statements above made of 
his relation with the public with whom his 
business interests are so closely allied. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MILFOBD. 



21 



J. L. Smith, Dealer in Tin, Glass and 
Wooden Ware, Iron, Metals, Paper Stock, 
Woolen Rags, Machine Rag:?, etc., etc. ; Carpet 
Sweepers and Clothes Wringers Repaired; 
Pearl Street, cor. Main, Milford, Mass. — The 
establishment now under the management of 
Mr. J. L. Smith is the oldest in its line of busi- 
ness in town, and no house in Milford holds a 
higher or more honestly earned reputation for 
dealing fairlv with its customers, so that the 
liberal patronage which this house enjoys is 
but another proof of the truth of that familiar 
old saying, " Honesty is the best policy." The 
establishment in question was established by 
the firm of Heywood & Warren, and after- 
wards continued by H. O. Lothrop, and has 
been under the control of the present proprie- 
tor since 1868. Mr. J. L. Smith is a native of 
Washington, N. H., and is widely known in 
Milford and vicinity. He gives careful per- 
sonal attention to the details of his business, 
the result being the uniform reliability of 
goods offered and the prompt and courteous 
service awarded every customer. The prem- 
ises utilized are located on Pearl Street, cor- 
ner of Main, and cover an area of 2,000 square 
feet. The large storage capacity thus afforded 
is very fully availed of. for the stock dealt in 
is extensive and complete, and includes tin, 
glass and wooden ware, iron, metals, paper 
stock, woolen and machine rags, etc., etc. 
Competent assistants are employed, and no 
trouble is spared to give callers every opportu- 
nity to make a satisfactory choice, goods being 
cheerfully shown, and will prove as repre- 
sented. No one is better prepared to quote 
bottom prices, and those who want anything 
in Mr. Smith's line sh luld certainly call at his 
establishment on Pe-irl Street, corner of Main, 
before placing their orders elsewhere. 



circle of friends in Milford. His premises 
cover an area of 25 x 70 feet and contain a fine 
stock of fresh confectionery, ice cream, and 
choice foreign and domestic fruits, cigars, etc. 
Mr. Macuen makes a specialty of catering for 
balls, parties, etc. Six competent assistants 
are employed and all orders are promptly and 
satisfactorily executed. ^ ^ ^ y 




A. T. Macuen, Manufacturer of Ice Cream 
and Confectionery and Dealer in Fruit and Ci- 
gars, 87 Main Street, Milford, Mass. — It is 
really no wonder that some people are almost 
afraid to eat ice cream and confectionery of any 
description, for the newspapers have devoted 
considerable space to articles on the subject 
of ice cream and candy adulteration, and not 
everybody who reads these articles is in a po- 
sition to see the many positive absurdities 
which many of them contain. "Space writers" 
must have something to write about, that is 
sure, and if nothing else offers, why they pitch 
into the confectionery manufacturer. This 
seems to be about as reasonable an explanation 
as can be offered, and the readers of the alarm- 
ing articles alluded to will notice that no names 
are mentioned and that no direct statement is 
made that can be taken up by any individual 
manufacturer. The confectionery establish- 
ment located at No. 87 Main street was estab- 
lished several years ago by Christopher P. 
Cook, and has been under the management of 
the present proprietor since 1881, and those 
who have done either a wholestile or retail bus- 
iness with Mr. Macuen, and have personally 
and repeatedly tested the quality of the goods 
he handles, need not be told that they are just 
as represented in every respect. Mr. Macuen 
was born in New Brunswick and has a large 



D. J. Cronan, Dealer in Boots, Shoes and 
Rubbers; Real Estate and Business Places of 
all kinds for Sale and Exchange; Jos. D. 
Cronan, John Cronan, Salesmen; 154 Main St., 
Milford, Mass.— Although there are many who 
consider themselves to be good judges of boots 
and shoes, we have yet to see the man, not a 
practical shoemaker, who can really estimate 
the true value of a pair of boots or shoes after 
they are all ready for the market. The appear- 
ance and feeling of the leather are some help, 
the general character of the workmanship is 
also a guide, but, after all, nothing certain can 
be known before the article is put to the test 
of every-day use. Therefore the importance of 
buying your footwear of an experienced, 
responsible and reputable dealer, becomes 
manifest. Mr. D. J. Cronan has been engaged 
in the sale of Boots, Shoes and Rubbers since 
1871. His store is located at No. 154 Main 
Street, and is 25x50 feet in dimensions. He 
has the assistance of Messrs. Jos. D. and John 
Cronan as salesmen, and if you want to see a 
carefully selected stock of reliable footwear 
of all descriptions, just give this establishment 
a call, and your wish will be granted. Mr. 
Cronan deals only with reputable wholesalers 
and manufacturers, and offers his patrons goods 
that will prove as represented in every respect. 
Mr. D, J. Cronan is also engaged in the Real 
Estate business, and is connected with the firm 
of J. McGuinis & Co., of 247 Washington Street, 
Boston, and has Real Estate and Business 
Places of all kinds for sale and exchange, and 
as the prices quoted in both lines of his busi- 
ness are as low as the market will allow, it is 
not surprising that his establishment should 
be one of the most popular in town.T" Mr. Cro- 
nan was a member of the Board of Selectmen 
for four successive years. ^ 



22 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MILFOBD. 




P. W. Mann, 64 

Central St, Milf ord, 
'Mass. — Among the 
various enterprises 
carried on in this 
town it would be 
difficult to find one 
moregenuinelj' use- 
ful than that con 
ducted by Mr. F. 
W. Mann, 64 Cen- 
tral street. Among 
the many valuable 
products of this 
shop, especial at- 
tention is called to 
Mann's Bone Cutter 
for poultry food. 
Many attempts in 
different parts of 
the country have 
been made to pro- 
duce a hand ma- 
chine by which 
poultry men could 
break up in some way fresh raw bones for 
their fowls and chickens. It seems, however, 
that every apparatus has proved totally inade- 
quate for this work until Mr. Mann devised his 
machine by which the bones are securely held 
and planed like wood by sharp steel cutters. 
This machine does not grind or crush, it planes 
or cuts the bones with the meat and gristle on 
them. It is true no other machine ever ap- 
proached this method of working up green 
bones. Mr. Mann believes that no other in- 
ventor has dai-ed try the experiment of putting 
sharp steel cutters against the hard flinty bone. 
He says, '*We should hardly have tried it our- 
selves if we had not seen clearly that there 
was no other way for us to make the machine. 
The buyers always find Mr. Mann ready to 
sign a warrant stating that the hand machine 
will cut dry or fresh bones, meat and gristle 
without clog or difficulty or money refunded. 
Three sizes of power machines and five stvles 
of hand machines are produced, which afford 
an assortment of valuable machines suitable to 
the demands of any hennery whether large or 
small. Send for illustrated catalogue and see 
for yourselves. Although this machine was 
not patented until August 20, 1889, yet it has 
been awarded the following premiums; — " Di- 
ploma " from the Attleboro Agricultural Asso- 
ciation,— " Certificate of Merit " of the Bay 
State Agricultural Society, — " Toronto Bronze 
Medal and Diploma" by the Industrial Exhibi- 
tion, Toronto, Canada. Mr. Mann maintains 
one of the best equipped shops for all kinds of 
machine repairing to be found in this section 
of the state. The premises are located at No. 
64 Central street and comprise three floors of 
the dimensions of 40 x 50 feet, a No. 6 Thom- 
son-Houston electric motor furnishing power. 
Employment is given to a sufficient corps of 
assistants to meet the demands of the business 
promptly. Light and heavy machine jobbing 
is attended to with promptness and dispatch. 
This undertaking has been under the sole con- 
trol of Mr. F, \V. Mann since 1887, he having 
at that time succeeded Messrs. Chapman & 



Mann, who were preceded by Mr. A. N. Chap- 
man. The present owner is a native of Nor- 
folk, Mass. He received a four year's educa- 
tion at Cornell, the University of the State of 
New York, graduating from the course of me- 
chanical engineering in 1878. The success he 
has gained may be attributed to his thorough 
education and his habit of giving close person- 
al attention to the details of his business. 
Special machinery will be built to order at 
short notice, and shafting, hangers, pulleys, 
and gearing will be furnished at lowest market 
rates. A complete line of j)ii5e fittings, set 
screws, and steel constantly on hand. 

J. Allen Rice, Wholesale and Eetail Drug- 
gist; 116 Main Street, Milford, Mass. — It is 
very nearly half a century since the business 
carried on by Mr. J. Allen Kice was founded, 
it having been established in 1846, by Dr. A. 
C. Fay, who was succeeded by E. M. Ililliard, 
and he by L. J. Wilson in 1854, the present 
proprietor having assumed full control in 1870. 
He is a native of Barre. Mass., and is very 
highly esteemed throughout Milford and vicin- 
ity. A large and carefully selected stock of 
drugs, medicines and chemicals is carried, and 
every facility is at hand for the prompt and 
accurate compounding of physicians" prescrip- 
tions at moderate rates. No pains is spared to 
obtain the best and purest ingredients the 
market affords, and the exceptionally high 
reputation held by Mr. Kice in connection with 
this important department of the business 
proves that the methods employed are appreci- 
ated by the general public. The premises uti- 
lized are located as No. 116 Main Street, and 
comprise a store and basement, each 20x70 
feet in dimensions. The business is both 
wholesale and retail in character, low prices 
being quoted in both departments, and only 
dependable goods are handled. Employment 
is given to two courteous assistants. 

Edward E. Cook, Livery, Hack, Board and 
Feed Stable, Milford, Mass.— Mr. Edward E. 
Cook has carried on operations in Milford for 
about eighteen years, and is widely known 
in this vicinity as he does a large business and his 
customers are scattered over a good deal of ter- 
ritory. He established his livery, hack, board- 
ing and feed stable in 1871, and has since con- 
ducted it in a first-class manner. His facilities 
are so thoroughly understood hereabouts that it 
is quite unnecessary to speak of them in detail, 
and we will confine ourselves to briefly refer- 
ing to the accommodations he is prepared to offer 
the public in general. Teams can be furnished 
at very short notice, and patrons will have 
nothing to complain of as regards style, etc., 
for Mr. Cook has some handsome and easy car- 
riages and some speedy, safe and willing 
horses at his disposal, and his turnouts will be 
found far superior to those commonlj' consid- 
ered "good enough*' for livery purposes. First 
class board and comfortable quarters will be 
furnished at moderate rates and there being 
twenty-two stalls on the premises, quite a num- 
ber of boarders can be accommodated, care- 
ful attention and plenty of good food being 
assui'ed all horses entrusted to his care. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MILFORD. 



23 



P. J. Handmore, Manufacturer of Foreign 
4ind Domestic Cijjars; all Orders Promptly At- 
tended to; 98 Main St., Milford, Mass. — When 
-a stranger arrives to a city or town, his 
first questions are of course affected 
in a great measure by his personal habits. Of 
course he will want a good hotel, but after 
that point is provided for, if he be a smoker, 
the chances are he will want to know where he 
can get a good cigar. Well, if in Milford, no 
better place can be found than the establish- 
ment of which Mr. P. J. Handraore is the 
proprietor, located at 98 Main Street. This 
enterprise has been carried on here since 18S3, 
And a large business has been built up. Mr. 
Handmore is a manufacturer as well as a 
dealer in domestic and foreign cigars, and 
recognized the fact that he must furnish a 
good article if he wished to establish a perma- 
nent business, and from the very beginning he 
has taken pains to manufacture and sell cigars 
that were uniform and excellent in flavor, as 
well as low in price. The premises utilized 
cover an area of 400 square feet, and emploj^- 
meut is given to three assistants. The busi- 
ness is not confliied to the manufacture of 
cigars, but includes the sale of tobacco and 
smokers' articles in general, and a fine assort- 
ment of foreign cigars. All orders are promptly 
attended to. Mr. Hardmore is very low in his 
prices, and his goods are sure to prove just as 
represented. 



A. A. Coburn, Dealer in Dry and Fancy 
Goods, Small Wares, etc., Main Street, oppo- 
site Mansion House, Milford, Mass. — There 
are manj- attractive dry and fancy goods stores 
in Milford, but we know of none better calcu- 
lated to favorably impress a discriminating ob- 
server, both as regards its exterior and interior 
appearance, than that conducted by Mr. A. A. 
Coburn, located on Main sti'eet opposite the 
Mansion House. This store contains a very skil- 
fully selected stock, complete in every depart- 
ment and arranged to most excellent advantage, 
the entire appearance of the establishment 
testifying to the experience and good taste of 
the management. This establishment was 
founded in 1862 by A. Temple. In 1865 it passed 
into the firm name of A. Temple & Co. In 
1869 Mr. A. A. Coburn became sole proprietor, 
then it was changed in 1883 to Coburn & 01m- 
stead. The present proprietor, Mr. A. A. Coburn 
assumed full control of the business again in 
1888. The premises occupied are 26 x 80 feet 
in dimensions and offier ample room for the ac- 
commodation of an extensive assortment of 
dry and fancy goods and small wares. Mr. Co- 
burn is evidently determined to allow no goods 
to accumulate on his hands, for prices are 
placed so low as to assure the prompt sale of 
all the articles dealt in. Customers may de- 
pend upon receiving prompt and polite attention 
for an ample force of assistants is employed, 
and uniform courtesy is the rule to all. Every 
article is sold strictly on its merits, no misrep- 
resentations being allowed, and we believe it 
would be impossible to find an establishment 
offering superior advantages to purchasers. 



Mrs. R. T. Gardiner, Dealer in Millinery, 
Bank Block, Milford. Mass. — An establishment 
which well deserves mention among the fore- 
most in Milford, is that conducted by Mrs. R. 
T. Gardiner, located in Bank Block, and indeed 
it would be diflicult to pick out a more truly 
representative enterprise than that to which 
we have reference. It was established by Mr. 
Geo. W. Hale, and since 1866 has been under 
the entire control of the present proprietress, 
and one is always sure to find the latest fash- 
ionable novelties here, for Mrs. Gardiner deals 
in Millinery Goods of all descriptions and takes 
special pains to see that her customers have 
the most approved styles to select from, 'i he 
premises utilized are of the dimensions of 23x 
65 feet, and are conveniently located and ex- 
cellently adapted for the purposes to which 
they are put. The stock of Millinery Goods is 
always very complete and includes both trim- 
med and untrimiued Hats and Bonnets in all 
the latest shapes. Kibbons, Velvets, Feathers 
and other Trimming Materials are dealt in 
largely, and prompt and polite attention is 
given to every customer. Mrs. Gardiner makes 
a specialty of Millinery AV'ork to order and has 
an unsurpassed reputation for thoroughness 
and good taste in this important department. 
Employment is given to three efficient assist- 
ants, and when necessity requires, work can be 
pushed through at suririsingly short notice. 
Prices are very moderate, and this fact taken 
in connection with the uniform excellence of 
the work accounts for the large business done. 



Excelsior Cement Co.. Manufacturers of 
all kinds of Channel. Leather and Rubber Ce- 
ment, E. J. Roche, Manager, Box 595, Milford, 
Mass. — Those who are in a position to know of 
the variety, extent and importance of the uses 
to which cement is ])ut in manufacturing oper- 
ations, need not be told that a very large 
amount of this substance is consumed annually 
and that the consumption of it is steadily and 
rapidly increasing. There are various kinds 
and grades of cement on the market, but it is 
perfectly safe to assert that no maker produces 
goods which give better and more permanent 
satisfaction than those turned out b_v the Ex- 
celsior Cement Company, which begun opera- 
tions in 1889, and of which Mr. James Lally, Jr., 
is President, Mr. P. J. Baxter, Treasurer. Mr. 
C. H. Waters Secretary, and Mr. E. J. Roche 
is Manager. This company manufacture all 
kinds of Channel, Leather and Rubber Cement, 
and utilize a factory having an area of 3000 
square feet. The leading brands turned out 
are Excelsior, Extra Heavy Para, Heavy Para, 
Pure Para, Paste and Oil Proof, and we may 
say right here that all these cements are war- 
ranted to do the work in first-class shops, they 
being entirely free from all adulteration and 
being exceptionally uniform in quality. The 
company quote very low prices on all their 
goods, and are ready to fill the heaviest orders 
at short notice. Communications addressed to 
Box 595 will receive prompt attention, and 
manufacturers would do well to investigate 
the advantages which this enterprising con- 
cern are prepared to offer. 



24 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MILFOBD. 



Milford Savings Bank, Milford, Mass. — 
The good done bj' our local institution, the 
Milford Savings Bank, during its nearly 40 
years of existence, is simply incalculable, and 
it gives us great pleasure to declare that the 
bank was never better prepared than now to 
continue its good work, and that the future 
outlook is as bright as the past record is honor- 
able. The Milford Savings Bank was incor- 
porated April 24, 1851, and now holds on de- 
posits savings approximating $1,300,000. To 
give an idea of the class of men who have been 
identified with this bank from the first, we pre- 
sent a list of the original oflicers, and also of 
those now in charge. 

OFFICERS ELECTED A. D. 1852. 

PRESIDENT, 

David Stearns Godfrey. 

VICE-PRESIDENTS, 

Orison Underwood, Aaron Claflin, 

Aaron C. Mayhew. 

TRUSTEES. 

Benjamin Davenport, Sullivan Sumner, 

John Erskine, Hiram Hunt, 

Sullivan Thaj'er, Wm.A.Hayward, 

Allyn Weston, Zelek Darling, 

Benjamin D. Godfrey. 

TREASURER, 

David Brewer. 
OFFICERS ELECTED A. D. 1886. 

PRESIDENT, 

John P. Daniels. 

VICE-PRESIDENTS, 

C. F. Claflin, A. J. Sumner, Amarlah A. Taft. 

Trustees. 
O. Underwood, J, P. Daniels, 

A. J. Sumner, Amariah A. Taft, 

C. F. Chapin, A. Wheeler, 

Wm. F. Draper, C. A. Dewey, 

E. C. Claflin, Geo. A. Draper, 

C. F. Claflin, Jesse A. Taft. 

Chas. A. Claflin. 
treasurer, 
J. E. Walker. 

"Wm. P. Reynolds, Picture Frame Maker, 
all kinds of 1 jght Jobbing in Wood, also Fur- 
niture, Trunks, etc.. Repaired, 136 Main Street, 
Milford, Ma>=s. — Picture frame making is a 
trade that has changed its character greatly of 
late years, since machinery has come into such 
general use in its manufacture, but it is still 
possible to find Picture Frame Makers who 
understand their business thoroughly in every 
detail and one of the most expert of those of 
whom we have knowledge is Mr. Wm. F. 
Reynolds whose place of business is located at 
No. 136 Main Street, Milford. This gentleman 
was born in Lincoln, R. I., and began opera- 
tions here in Milford in 1876. His premises 
cover an area of 500 feet and are well supplied 
with all necessary tools, appliances etc., for 
the execution of all orders for Picture Frames. 
Door and House Bells, and Door and Window 
Screens, all these articles are furnished and 
put up to order. Black Walnut and White Hol- 
ly Wood is kept in stock for brackets. We 
have no hesitation in guaranteeing complete 
satisfaction to all who may favor Mr. Reynolds 
with an order, for he is a thoroughly skilled 
mechanic and allows no inferior w 



his establishment, while his charges are uni- 
formly moderate. Furniture and Trunk Re- 
pairing are given prompt and careful attention, 
and will be renovated to look as good as new at 
moderate expense, and those wishing anything 
of the kind done cannot possibly do better 
elsewhere. 

Mrs. R. Aylward, Stamping Rooms, 
Goods of all Kinds Furnished and Stamped by 
the Non-Erasible Method, Silk and Floss Fur- 
nished for the Diflerent Designs, Grant Block, 
Up Stairs, Milford . — Mrs. Aylward needs 
no introduction to our Milford readers, or at 
all events to such of them as are numbered 
among the fau* sex, for she has carried on op- 
perations in this town since 1861, and now 
maintains the best equipped stamping rooms 
in this section. The stamping is done by the 
non-erasible method, and consequently the 
finest and most intricate design will remain 
complete and plainly visible until the entire 
pattern is worked — an advantage which will be 
duly appreciated by those who have had prac- 
tical experience of the drawbacks attending 
the ordinary method of stamping. Embroid- 
ering materials of all kinds will be furnished 
at moderate rates, and designs will be sup- 
plied at prices as low as the lowest. The prem- 
ises utilized have an area of about 500 square 
feet, and are located in Grant Block, up stairs. 
Callers are sure of receiving prompt and cour- 
teous attention and orders can be filled at re- 
markably short notice if desired. Mrs. Ayl- 
ward carries a large and desirable stock of 
patterns to which she is constantly adding 
the newest and best to be found. ^ 



.qjal 



1\J.B 



Thomas & Walcott, Dealers in Dry and 
Fancy Goods, etc. ; 112-114 Main Street, Mil- 
ford, Mass. — Among the prominent merchants 
engaged in this important branch of industry, 
we are pleased to call attention to Messrs. 
Thomas & Walcott, whose fine and complete 
establishment ranks among the leading houses 
of its kind in Milford. This house was estab- 
lished by Messrs. Simmonds & Adams, who 
were succeeded in 1887 by the present firm. 
Messrs. Thomas & Walcott have already gained 
a large share of public favor. They occupy a 
large double store covering an area of 23x90 
feet on one side and 20x60 on the other, in 
addition to a large basement. They carry a 
large and finely selected stock of dry and fancy 
goods, including the newest domestic and most 
popular foreign importations in cloaks, small 
wares, dress goods, etc. The extensive retail 
trade acquired by this house require the ser- 
vices of twelve thoroughly experienced assist- 
ants, and the details of the business are most 
ably managed under the direct personal super- 
vision of the proprietors. The individual mem- 
bers of the firm are Mr. E. A. Thomas, a 
native of New Salem, and Mr. G. P. Walcott, 
of Belmont, and are both well and favorably 
known in social as well as business circles of 
Milford. They are men of rare natural ability, 
and enjoy in a pre-eminent degree the respect 
and confidence of all who do business with 
them. 



LEAD1I\G BUSINESS MEN OF MILFORD. 



25 




P. J. Donohoe, Apothecary, 155 Main St., 
Milford, Mass. — Mr. P. J. Donohoe has made a 
record second to none for efficiency and relia- 
bility in the dispensing of drugs, and the per- 
formance of all the duties incidental to the 
carrying on of a first class apothecary and now 
that he has removed to his new store, No. 155 
Main street, he is much better prepared to 
serve the public than ever before. The premi- 
ses cover an area of 30 x 84 feet and are fitted 
up with every modern facility for the carrying 
on of operations to the best advantage. The 
stock of drugs, medicines and chemicals is 
made up of fresh and carefully selected goods, 
obtained from the most reliable sources. A 



specialty is made of compounding physicians'" 
prescriptions with especial care that the purest 
and best materials are used and at moderate 
rates, every precaution being taken to ensure 
absolute accuracy even in the most trivial de- 
tails of the work. Mr. Donohoe deals exten- 
sively in druggists sundries and oflers goods 
equal to any in the market. Mr. Donohoe is a 
native of Milford and succeeded Dr. T. H. 
Mann in business in 1887. He is very well 
known and highly esteemed in Milford and vi- 
cinity, where he has gained the confidence of 
a large number of patrons by his skilful and 
reliable business methods. 



56 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MILFORD. 




P'E. M. Hurlbut, Milford, Mass., nearly op- 
iposite Hotel Willian, Millinery, also Agent for 
Madam Grisvvold's Corsets. That good taste 
shown in the selection of head-wear will go 
far towards atoning for defects observable in 
other portions of a lady's costume, is a fact too 
generally understood to require demonstration, 
and as this is couceded, it must of course fol- 
low that the most elaborate costume may be 
spoiled in eflPect by a hat or bonnet unsuited to 
its wearer. Therefore the importance of care in 
ithe choosing of such articles become manifest, 
and it is easy to understand the popularity of 
the establishment conducted by Miss K. M. 
Hurlbut among careful dressers, for not only 
is the stock of Millinery Goods there carried so 
large and varied as to enable the most diverse 
tastes to be suited, but the custom work done 
is characterized by such good taste and origi- 
nality as to rank with the productions of city 
imilliners, while the prices quoted are uni- 
formly moderate, being within the means of 
all. Miss E. M. Hurlbut was in business 
eight years in Vermont previous to establish- 
ing in Milford in 1889. In addition to the 
MiHinery line of business. Miss E. M. Hurl- 
but is Agent for Madam Griswold's Corsets, a 
•thriving patronage has already been gained, 
requiring the employment of two competent 
.assistants during the season. 



C. A. Sumner, Manufac- 
turer of Shoe Racks, Boot and 
Shoe Trees, Crimping Screws 
and Brakes, Boot and Shoe 
Forms, Seam Rubbers, Cutting 
Boards, Crimpers' Sinks, 
Benches, Steels and other Kit, 
Boot and Shoe Tree Repairing 
a Specialty, Milford, Mass. — 
The enterprise conducted by 
Mr. C. A. Sumner was inaugu- 
rated more than a score of 
years ago, operations having 
been begun by Messrs. E. Mann 
& Howard in 1868, (afterward 
E. Mann & Son) and the pres- 
ent proprietor has owned and 
conducted the business since 
1879, during which time he has 
developed the business very 
largely in every department, 
and has added that fonnerly 
carried on by Mr. S. Jefferds, 
whom he bought out in 1881. 
Mr. Sumner was born in Mil- 
ford and is too well, known 
here to render extended per- 
sonal mention necessary. The 
premises utilized by him com- 
prise one floor having an area 
of 3000 square feet, and spa- 
cious storage facilities, and are 
fitted up with improved special 
machinery, while employment 
in busy season is given to eight 
to twelve workmen. Mr. Sum- 
ner is a manufacturer of boot 
and shoe trees, shoe racks, 
crimping forms, brakes,, 
screws, etc.. and is prepared to 
meet all honorable competition 
both as regards quality and prices. That his 




LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MILFOBD. 



27 



productions have solid merit is evidenced by 
the fact that they are sold throughout the Uni- 
ted States, while some foreign trade is also en- 
joyed. He is the sole manufacturer of the 
Mann & Howard genuine crimping screws, con- 
ceeded to be the standard throughout the coun- 
try, also manufacturing various kinds of crimp 
•brakes both for boots and shoes. The '■'Howe" 
boot tree and the "Barnard"' shoe tree are also 
specialties with Mr. Sumner, as is the repair- 
ing of boot and shoe trees of all descriptions. 
He manufactures crimp forms very extensivelj- 
indeed, together with seam rubbers, turn- 
ing frames, and crimpers' sinks, 
benches and steels, and also in small kits of 
Tarious kinds, quoting bottom prices and filling 
all orders without delay. In addition to the 
above Mr. Sumner has during the past two 
years been engaged in the manufacture of shoe 
racks, a sample of which is shown on the opp. 
page, and has by carefully studying the 
wants of shoe manufacturers in this direction 
so improved on these goods as to have secured 
a large trade in them — his shipments going to 
all parts of the country where shoes are made, 
and letters are frequently received by him 
speaking in high terms of his make of racks, 
and making comparisons with those of other 
makes, placing Mr. Sumner's far ahead. ._ 




RfHaskell & Trask, Livery, Feed and Board- 
ing Stables, First-class Teams at reasonable 
prices. Transients well cared for, horses for sale 
and Exchange. 83 Central street, Milford, 
Mass. — " A merciful man is merciful to his 
beast " says the proverb, and in no way can 
mercy be more plainly shown than by taking 
pains to see that the '' beast " is properly fed 
and kindly treated. Among the many stables 
located in this section of the state, which gives 
special attention to boarding horses we know 
of none we can more heartily and unreservedly 
recommend than that conducted by Messrs. 
Haskill & Trask. This livery, feed and board- 
ing stable was established by Mr. Amasa L. 
Smith in 1882, who was succeeded in 1888 by 
Mr. A. Smith, the present proprietors assum- 
ing control of the business in 1889. The prem- 
ises are located at No. 83 Central street, and 
are well adapted for stable purposes, being 
well ventilated and under the care of experi- 
enced hostlers. The firm is composed of Mr. 
J.F. Haskell who is a native of Pawtucket, R. 



I., and Mr. H. G. Trask who was born in 
Nova Scotia. Mr. Haskell has for several 
years carried on the business of teaming and 
jobbing in this town and this branch of work 
will be continued by the firm. They are de- 
termined to run an establishment second to 
none and promise that the best of care and 
personal attention will be paid to " boarders." 
Haskell & Trask keep a number of horses 
and carriages for livery purposes and teams 
for all kinds of jobbing. Also horses for sale 
and exchange and all patronizing them will 
feel well suited not only with their prices as 
they are very reasonable, but also in all their 
dealings with them. 




Hotel Willian, Main Street, J. H. Matthews, 
Proprietor, Special Attention to commercial 
travelers, Milford, Mass. — Mr. J. H. Matthews 
has been the proprietor of the Hotel Willian 
since it was opened in this town, July, 1887. 
He is a native of Swanzey, N. H., and served 
nearly three years in the army during our late 
civil war, and is so very generally known in 
Milford and throughout this section of the 
state as to make extended personal mention 
quite unnecessary. The Hotel Willian has 40 
sleeping rooms and there are times when its 
capacity is severly tested, for the hotel is a 
great favorite among those most familiar with 
its management, and is a favorite resort among 
commercial travelers, as special attention is 
paid to their wants. This hotel has the well 
earned reputation of furnishing the best of 
table board and service, rarely equalled for the 
prices charged. The service is verj' prompt 
and courteous and the food well cooked and of 
the very best quality. To those who wish to 
be supplied with modern comforts at moderate 
rates, we can give no better advice than to 
test the hospitality of the Hotel Willian. The 
rooms are airy, well lighted and con)fortably 
furnished. Ten experienced assistants are em- 
ployed and guests are assured prompt and 
courteous attention. 



28 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MILFORD. 




Avery & Woodbury, Successors to J. W. 
Harris, Dealers in Furniture, Carpeting, Wall 
Paper and Curtains, Upholstering, Carpet and 
Shade Work a Specialty, 162 Main Street, Mil- 
ford, Mass. — The enormous variety of articles 
included under the head of furniture, carpet- 
ing, etc., is not appreciated, save by those who 
have had experience in furnishing their own 
houses, but a good idea of the scope of these 
goods may be obtained by visiting the estab- 
lishment of Messrs. Avery & Woodbury, loca- 
ted at No. 162 Main street. The enterprise now 
under the control of the above named firm was 
originally founded by Mr. M. Harris who was 
succeeded by Mr. J. W. Harris, and he by 
Messrs. Avery & Woodbury in 1887. The es- 
tablishment maintained by them comprises 
three floors and a basement each 40 by 80 feet 
in size and one floor 20 by 80 feet, and the 
stock carried consists of furniture, carpeting, 
wall paper and curtains, etc., upholstering, 
carpet and shade work being a specialty. This 
house has attained an enviable reputation for 
furnishing first class goods and work at low 
rates and deserves the patronage it receives. 
The individual members of the firm are Mr. 
Orlando Avery, a native of Penn., and Mr. G. 
P. Woodbury of Acton, Mass. They are both 
well known throughout the business circles of 
Milford, where they are highly esteemed as 
enterprising and reliable men. 



R. V. Carey, Architect, No. 200 Main St., 
Bank Block, Milford, Mass. — A gentleman by 
no means unknown in the profession once told 
us that "An architect needs to be something 
of a draughtsman, considerable of a mathama- 
tition, somewhat versed in hygiene and sanitary 
engineering, as well acquainted with house- 
hold economy as a New England housekeeper, 
have a knowledge of masonry, building and 
strength of materials and be a practical car- 
penter besides other qualifications too numer- 



ous to mention and then to be 
possessed of so sweet a disposi- 
tion as to enable him to receive 
blame for the errors of others 
and no approbation for his 
own success, without a mur- 
mur." Taking this view of 
the case it is not to be 
wondered at that good archi- 
tects are comparatively scarce, 
and when found, are sure 
of constant employment. A 
gentleman following the pro- 
fession in Milford, who has 
met with exceptional success 
since he began operations, is 
Mr. E. V. Carey, whose office 
is located at No. 200 Main 
street (Bank Block) and is 
well known about town as 
one who understands his pro- 
fession and is on the high road 
to gain distinction in it. Mr. 
Cavey is prepared to draw up 
plans and estimates regard- 
ing anything in his line of 
effort and those who have 
favored him with commissions in the past will 
testify to his knowledge and skill and practical 
adaptation of means to ends. He earnestly 
strives to make his customers' interests his 
own and satisfy all who may favor him with 
an order. 



L. A. Cook, Dealer in Hay, Straw, Brick, 
Coal, Wcod, Lime and Cement, Calcined Plas- 
ter, Land Plaster, Phosphate, etc., etc. Yard, 
Pond Street, near the depot, Milford, Mass. — 
Mr. L. A. Cook is one of the most enterprising 
and best known of our local business men, and 
the undertaking conducted by him is deserv- 
ing of prominent mention for a number of 
I reasons, among which is the fact that this 
was the first coal business ever established in 
Milford. It has now attained very large pro- 
portions, but Mr. Cook by no means confines 
himself to the handling of coal, but deals large- 
ly in hay, straw, wood, brick, lime, cement, 
land plaster, calcined plaster, phosphates, etc. 
Operations were begun by Col. Sumner, and 
in 1866 Messrs. Putnam & Crosby assumed 
control, this firm giving place in 1870 to> 
Messrs. Putnam & Woodbury, who were suc- 
ceeded in 1874 by Messrs. E. A. & L. A. Cook, 
the present proprietor assuming sole posses- 
sion in 1878. He is a native of West Wrentham, 
Mass., and is very generally known throughout 
Milford and vicinity. Mr. Cook employes 
seven assistants, and is prepared to fill the 
heaviest orders without delay. He carries a 
very large stock, and utilizes spacious premises^ 
on Pond Street, near the depot. 'I he storage 
sheds on the Boston & Albany and New York 
& New England Eailroads have a total capacity 
of about 4000 tons, and extensive delivery 
facilities are also maintained. Wood will be 
prepared to order for family use at very short 
notice, and positively bottom prices are quoted 
on all the commodities handled. 



LEAIVG BUSmESS MEN OF MIL FORD. 



29 



H. D. Bowker, Clothier and Hatter, Hale's 
Block, Main Street, Milford, Mass. — Once in a 
while we read in a novel, of a man who is quite 
independent of outward adornment and who 
looks like a gentleman no matter how he may 
be dressed. This is a great world and there 
may be such individuals to be found among its 
inhabitants, but we are free to confess that we 
have never been so lucky as to see one. Shab- 
by and unfashionable garments are apt to 
cause their wearer to create an unfavorable 
impression, and no niau is so independent of 
the opinion of his fellows, that he can afford 
to be indifferent to it. There is work of course 
which should be done in old clothes, and there 
are times when such garments are more appro- 
priate than handsome clothing, but under ordi- 
nary circumstances every man owes it to him- 
self to be well dressed. Under present condi- 
tions the expense of so doing is very moderate. 
Visit the establishment conducted by Mr. H. 
D. Bowker, located in Hale's Block, Main street. 



and see if this statement is not in accordance 
with the facts. You will find there, fash- 
ionable clothing, well made of durable materi- 
al, and perfect in fit, at prices that would have 
been regarded(and justly so)below the cost of 
production not many years ago, and you will 
also find stiff and soft hats, gents furnishing, 
horse clothing:, trunks, bags, etc., at equally 
low figures. This enterprise was inaugurated 
in 1869 by Mr. W. H. Gile under the style of 
W. H. Gile & Co. In 1887 Mr. H. D. Bowker 
was admitted to the firm and the business was 
carried on under the name of Gile & Bowker, 
until 1889 when Mr. Bowker assumed sole con- 
trol. The extensive retail trade transacted 
by this house requires the services of four 
competent assistants, and callers are assured 
immediate and courteous attention, and the 
purchaser not only spends but little money, 
but may depend upon having goods represented 
to him just as they actually are. 



HOPKDALE. 



This is the^seat^or[theTmost [famous of Milford' s manufactories, and the 

history^of^ this -community is of special interest, it having been founded in 1842 
by the Hopedale community, the members of which thought that the time was 
ripe for a new departure from existing ways of conducting human affairs 
Their scheme, although beautiful in theory, proved abortive in practice, and, 
for reasons which could not justly be presented within our limited space, the 




Factory of Geo. Draper & Sons, Hopedale. 

unitary arrangements were given up in 1856. As a recent writer has well said 
of Hopedale, ''it has been a seminary of inventors, and may now without 
extravagance be called a miniature university of ingenious patent lore." Cot- 
ton and woolen machinery is very extensively manufactured, and the factories 
devoted to its production, together with those utilized for other purposes, are 
among the most perfectly equipped in the world. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF HOPEDALE, MASS. 



George Draper & Sons, Manufacturers of 
Cotton Machinery, Hopedale, Mass.— ''The 
continued success of the textile industries of 
this country depends upon the abiliiy of manu- 
facturers to produce fabrics of the .n>s« quality. 
This result can only be accomplished by the 
use of the best machinery, and the adoption of 
all labor-saving improvements." Such is the 
rule laid down by Messrs. George Draper&Sons, 
and they have done and are doing much to 
make the practical application of it a compara- 
tively easy matter by manufacturing textile 
machinery, which embodies the very latest 
improvements, and is unsurpassed both for 
efficiency of design and thoroughness of con- 
struction. This concern are among the largest 
manufacturers of cotton machinery in the 
country, and head the list as regards the intro- 
duction of patented improvements on such ap- 
paratus, some of the more prominent of the de- 
vices they have put on the market being the 
Sawyer and the Rabbeth spindles, double ad- 
justable rings, separators, bobbin holders and 
temples. That these are genuine, and, indeed, 
invaluable improvements, is proved by the fact 
that they have been universally adopted in this 
country, and to a great extent in Europe, while 
the saving they make in the cost of production 
has so reduced the priceof many textile fabrics 
as to have greatly increased the demand for 
them by consumers, and also by materially im- 
proving the quality of the product. The firm 
act as selling agents for the Hopedale Machine 
Company, Dutcher Temple Company, and Saw- 
yer Spindle Company. Prices will be promptly 
sent on application, and all business communi- 
cations are assured immediate attention. The 
individual members of the firm are Messrs. Wm. 
F. Draper, Geo. A. Draper, Eben S. Draper, 
Wm. F. Draper, Jr., and Geo. Otis Draper. 

Hopedale Elastic Fabric Co., Hopedale, 
Mass. — The manufacture of elastic fabrics con- 
stitutes what is in many respects not only a 
distinctive but a unique industry. The Hope- 
dale Elastic Fabric Co., was incorporated in 
1886, with a capital of $150,000. Mr. W. F. 
Draper is president and Mr. E. L. Osgood 
treasurer, the enterprise being conducted under 
the direct management of Mr. Wm. Lapwoith. 
The company manufacture elastic webbing of 
all descriptions in both silk and cotton, but 
make a specialty of fancy patterns in narrow 
goods, and goring. Their productions are uni- 
versally known among the trade, being dis- 
tributed to all parts of the country and having 
an enviable reputation for uniform excellence, 
while they are furnished at prices which en- 
able all honorable competition to be easily 
met. The company owns many patents on 
fancy patterns, special weaves and improve- 
ments in the machinery. The factory is brick 
three stories in height, run by steam power 
and lighted by electricity. A spur track from 
the railroad runs by it on one side and the mill 
river on the other making a very convenient 
location. 



Hopedale Machine Company, Hopedale, 
Mass. — The Hopedale Machine Company was 
incorporated in 1867, and holds a leading posi- 
tion among the great industrial enterprises 
which have so intimately connected the history 
of the village with that of the development of 
textile machinery in this country. The com- 
pany has a capital of f 200,000, and operates 
one of the most complete and best-arranged 
plants of the kind in the Union, their beings 
such facilities at hand as to enable machine 
work of the finest grades to be turned out at 
short notice. The manufacture of twisters, 
warpers, spoolers and spindles is extensively 
carried on, and a most important department of 
the business is the doing of general repair 
work, experienced and careful men being em- 
ployed, and orders being assured immediate- 
attention. The Hopedale Machine Company's 
foundry is the largest and best-equipped to be 
found in this section, and the superior charac- 
ter of the results attained here has very much 
to do with the high reputation the products of 
the entire establishment enjoy. Employment 
is given to three hundred men, and the business 
is so thoroughly systematized and each process 
so intelligently supervised that the sending 
out of defective work is rendered almost im- 
possible. The high speed at which textile ma- 
chinery is run nowadays makes thoroughness 
of construction fully as important as excel- 
lence of design, and thus serves to still further 
commend the productions of this old-estab- 
lished company. The position of agent is held 
by Mr. G. A. Draper, Mr. W. F. Draper acting 
as treasurer. 



Dutcher Temple Company, Hopedale, 
Mass. — It is doubtless true that one should be- 
an experienced mechanic or manufacturer in 
order to really appreciate the perfection of the- 
plant utilized by the Dutcher Temple Com- 
pany, and particularly of that to be found in 
the machine shop. The company was incor- 
porated in 1867, and has a capital of $100,000, 
Mr. W. F. Draper being President and Mr. F. 
J. Dutcher, Treasurer. With the development 
of the enterprise, the mechanical facilities- 
have been constantly increased and improved, 
and the consequence is that, leaving the pecu- 
liar importance of the product out of the ques- 
tion, the works are well worthy of prominent 
mention as being in many respects a model es- 
tablishment, the machine shop having an 
equipment which is not surpassed anywhere 
in point of completeness. Loom temples of 
every description are manufactured, together 
with Shaw knitting machines and general tool 
work, and a sufficient force of assistants is 
employed to enable all orders to be filled at 
short notice. Messrs. Geo. Draper & Sons act 
as selling agents for the company, and the- 
product is shipped to all parts of this country 
and also to South America and Mexico. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF HOPED ALE. 



31 



Hopedale Machine Screw Company, 

Hopedale, Mass. — The most recently establish- 
ed, and one of the most promising of the indus- 
trial enterprises carried on in this village, is 
that conducted by the Hopedale Machine Screw 
Company, which was incorporated in 1888, 
with a capital of $150,000. So extensive is the 
business which has been already built up that 
the manufacturing facilities are soon to be ma- 
terially increased, although the present plant 
of automatic machinery of a type, exclusively 
controlled by the company, is capable of turn- 
ing out an immense quantity of machine sci'ews 
of all grades and varieties, accurately made in 
every part, and adapted to all the many pur- 
poses for which such screws are employed. 
The company makes a leading specialty of 
goods for electrical corporations, and the re- 
markable demand now existing in all parts of 
the country for electrical appliances, together 
with the positive surety that this demand will 
continue to increase for many years to come, 
renders it safe to predict a ready and perma- 
nent market for the productions of a concern 
80 well-equipped for furnishing articles of 
standard quality at the shortest possible no- 
tice and at the lowest market rates. Besides 
machine screws of all descriptions, the com- 
pany manufacture turned work in steel, brass, 
copper and zinc, having unsurpassed facilities 
for filling such orders in the most satisfactory 
manner. Mr. W. F. Drayer is president, Mr. 
G. A. Draper officiating as treasurer. The 
Superintendent, Mr. C. F. Roper, is also the 
inventor of the special machinery used, and 
the excellence of the products may be traced 
to his efficiency and management. 

Hopedale Ice Company, Hopedale, Mass. 
— The old idea that all ice must necessarily be 
pure, or in other words that the process of 
freezing absolutely eliminated all impurities 
from even the most objectionable water, has 
been placed among the many other fallacies 
which have worked such general injury in the 
past, and every intelligent person now realizes 
that the ice supply no less than the water sup- 
ply is worthy of the most painstaking scrutiny 
on the part of those who value their health 
and appreciate the danger of taking into the 
system the insidious disease germs which ice 
made from contaminated water necessarily 
contains. It is unquestionably far more health- 
ful to do without ice at all than to use that 
obtained from an improper source, but happily 
the residents of this section are not obliged to 
choose either alternative, for the Hopedale Ice 
Company is prepared to furnish planed ice of 
unequalled purity in such quantities as to en- 
able the needs of all classes of consumers to 
be successfully catered to. This ice is taken 
from a pond made by damming the the mill 
river, which above this point flows through an 
unsettled district and consequently escapes all 
chance of contamination. The most improved 
facilities are utilized in the harvesting of the 
ice, including an efficient steam plant used in 
housing it, and sufficient storage capacity is 
provided to enable a very heavy stock to be 
laid away, thus assuring the satisfactory fill- 
ing of all orders. Mr. W. H. Barney is man- 



ager of the company, and no trouble is spared 
to make the service as entirely satisfactory as- 
is the product itself. 

Prank H. French, Jeweler, Harrison 
Block, Hopedale, Mass. — Mr. Frank H. French 
is a native of Gilmantown, N. H., and came to 
Hopedale some fifteen years ago. He was in> 
the employ of Messrs. George Draper & Sons 
for many years, but for a long time has de- 
voted his spare moments to the doing of watch 
repairing, etc., in which he has become very 
expert, having an experience extending over 
a score of years to guide him. Mr. French 
opened his present store in Harrison Block, in 
November, 1889, and his success has been pro- 
nounced from the very first, as he is almost 
universally known in this vicinity, and his 
straightforward methods have won for him 
many friends and customers. The premisea^ 
utilized compi-ise a corner room up one flight, 
lighted from two sides, and most admirably 
adapted to the purposes for which they are- 
used. They contain a carefully chosen stock 
of watches, clocks, jewelry, silverware, fancy 
goods, etc., which includes the latest fashion- 
able novelties, and is so varied as to enable all 
tastes and all purses to be easily suited. Spec- 
tacles, eye glasses and optical goods in gener- 
al are also largely dealt in, and repairing of all 
descriptions will be neatly and durably done at 
moderate rates. Fashionable and commercial 
stationary is handled quite extensively, as are 
newspapers and periodicals, subscriptions be- 
ing received at publisher's rates. Mr. French 
has put in a commodious Morris & Ireland fire 
and burglar proof safe, both for the purpose of 
protecting his stock and of safely storing the 
valuable watches, etc., belonging to his cus- 
tomers and left with him to be repaired. He 
guarantees satisfaction to the most critical in 
this important department of his business, and 
is fully competent to undertake the I'epairing 
of the most delicate time-keepers. 

L. A. Lamson, Pharmacist, Harrison Block, 
Hopedale, Mass. — The residents of Hopedale and 
vicinity are to be congratulated on having such 
an establishment available as that conducted 
by Mr. L. A. Lamson, in Harrison Block; first, 
because it is one of the most elegantly equip- 
ped pharmacies in the state, and second, be- 
cause the proprietor is exceptionally well-fit- 
ted to undertake the duties of a dispensing 
chemist, he having taken a four years' course in 
the Burlington Medical College, and subse- 
quently been identified with the retail drug 
business for more than a score of years. Mr. 
Lamson was born in Stowe, Vt., and enlisted 
in the army in 1863, at which time he had not 
yet reached the age of 16. He served until the 
close of the war, and afterwards took the col- 
lege course we have referred to ; subsequently 
passing three years in the drug business in 
Putney, Vt., thirteen years in Hinsdale, N. H., 
and more than four years in Milford, Mass., 
finally coming to Hopedale in 1890. The prem- 
ises utilized were fitted up especially for Mr. 
Lamson's occupancy, and are elegantly finished 
in mahogany, the most improved facilities for 
the display and storage of the goods being 



32 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF HOPED ALE. 



provided, and ample room being available to 
accommodate a very heavy and varied stock ; 
the store measuring 19 x 55 feet, and being 
connected with a basement of similar dimen- 
sions. The exceptional opportunities oflFered 
are taken full advantage of, the assortment of 
drugs, medicines and chemicals being remark- 
ably complete in every department, and being 



made up exclusively of fresh goods, selected 
from the most reliable sources, thus putting 
Mr Lamson in a position to satisfactorily 
compound prescriptions of all kinds. Drug- 
gists' sundries, toilet articles and fancy goods 
are also well represented in the stock, and a 
fine line of pure confectionery and of choice 
imported and domestic cigars is carried. 




Street, — Hopedale. 



Andrew Bros., Dealers in Boots, Shoes 
and Rubbers, Gents' Furnishing Goods and 
Children's Underwear; Hopedale, Mass. — This 
new enterprise commenced business in Decem- 
ber, 1889, in Harrison Block, and bids fair to 
become one of the "institutions" of this thriv- 
ing town. The firm is composed, as indicated 
by the firm-name, of two brothers — Almon H. 
and Charles H. Andrew. The former was 
born in Whitinsville, Mass., and the latter in R. 
I. They have a fine, well lighted store of the 
dimensions of 20x60 feet, and is well stocked 
with a carefully chosen assortment of men's, 
boys', ladies' and girls' boots, shoes and rub- 
bers of all grades and styles, suited to all kinds 
of service. This is also headquarters for gents' 
furnishing goods and children's underwear. A 
good assortment in each of the above lines will 
be found here, at prices that cannot help but 
be appreciated by the most economic buyer, 
who is not only willing " to live," but to " let 
live." The "trade creed" of this firm is: 

1. No more than proper value for anything. 

2. Less than usual price for many things. 



3. Whatever is best to be had, we have. 4. 
Whatever way gives best satisfaction to our 
patrons, we practice. 5. No misrepresenta- 
tions ; we sell goods for what they are. 6. 
Our one-price system fully protects our custo- 
mers. 7. All goods marked in plain figures. 

8. We make our customers' interest our own. 

9. Our aim is to lead, not to follow. 10. The 
latest novelties, newest styles, lowest prices. 
11. To give the best satisfaction, and have 
the best patronage. With the . principles of 
trade above indicated adhered to, the people of 
Hopedale and vicinity will consult their best 
interests by giving this new enterprise a just 
share of their patronage. Messrs. Andrew 
Bros, also have the agency for custom-made 
clothing and are prepared to take measurements 
and show a fine line of samples from which to 
select, and guarantee a perfect fit, and at 
prices that afford a large per cent, of saving 
upon ordinary custom-made work. They also 
employ a competent assistant to attend to the 
repairing of boots and shoes, as well as the 
making of first class custom work. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF HOPED ALE. 



33 



Smith & Mead, Dealers in Groceries and 
Dry Goods, Fine Teas, Coffees and Spices, 
Specialties. Hopedale, Mass. — The establish- 
ment conducted by Messrs. Smith & Mead can 
perhaps be best described as a " family supply 
store " for it contains a very heavy stock of 
just such goods as are needed in every family ; 
this class of trade being especially catered to. 
Business was begun in 1887, and the magnitude 
of the patronage enjoyed shows that the 
methods here practised are such as appeal to 
the large majority of purchasers. The firm is 
made up of Messrs. F. E. Smith and J. L. 
Mead, the former a native of Dover, Mass.. 
and tlie latter of Milford. Mr. Smith served 
in the army during the rebellion, and both he 
and his partner are well and favorably known 
in this vicinity personally. The stock on 
hand is remarkably complete in every depart- 
ment and comprises as fine a line of fancy and 
staple groceries as is shown at many a preten- 
tious city establishment. Fine teas, coffees 
and spices are specialties with this house, and 
the most fastidious can obtain goods precisely 
suited to their tastes, while the prices quoted 
are as low as those too often named on far 
inferior articles. Foreign and domestic dry 
goods and also well represented in the stock, 
not only full lines of staple products but also 
the latest fashionable novelties being offered to 
select from. An important department of the 
business is that devoted to the handling of 
meats, vegetables, fruits, etc., special pains 
being taken to provide so wide a variety that 
all tastes and all purses can be suited. Em- 
ployment is given to five competent assistants, 
and one of the most commendable and pop- 
ular features of the management is the equal 
courtesy which is extended to all buyers, large 
or small purchases being shown similar con- 
sideration and all being given everv opportu- 
nity to choose intelligently and satisfactorily. 



J. E. VoUmer, House and Carriage Painter, 
Shop west of common, So. Framingham, Mass. 
— Of course, "anybody can paint a house." 
So can anybody make a suit of clothes — after a 
fashion — but that fashion is apt to be much 
more striking than attractive. The fact is, in 
painting as in everything else, skill and expe- 
rience are necessary in ordei to secure satisfac- 
tory results. It pays every time to have paint- 
ing done by competent and responsible parties, 
and those who think to save a dollar by doing 
the work themselves or by entrusting it to 
somebody who knows no more about it than 
they do, may save that dollar but it will only 
be at the expense of manj'^ another in the long 
run. It does not cost much to have painting 
properly done, and in this connection we may 
call attention to the facilities possessed by Mr. 
J. E. Vollmer, for he not only does work equal 
to the best but also quotes moderate rates on 
every order. Mr. Vollmer is prepared to do 
House and Carriage Painting of all descriptions 
and uses no inferior stock, as indeed may be 
judged from his reputation for turning out 
thoroughly dependable work. His shop is lo- 
cated west of the common, and orders given in 
person or sent by mail will be given immediate 
and painstaking attention. Mr. Vollmer claims 
to have invented an embossing oil for restoring 
old paint (providing the paint is still there) to 
its original color and warrants the same to 
hold eight years, and hold its luster, it is ex- 
clusively for outside work. Sign Work of all 
descriptions is done on wood, glass or any sub- 
stance, interior decorating, paper hanging in 
all its branches are -promptly attended to at 
moderate rates, wall and ceiling papers are 
carried in stock, and sold at lowest market 
rates. Mr. Vollmer has done first-class jobs 
not only in Framingham but in the surround- 
ing towns and gives by consent the following 
references : A. R. Newton <fe Son, Bridge «& Co., 
F. E. Brooks, Old Colony House, B. F. Coburn, 
R. H. Nelson, Wm. H. Hastings, of So. Fram- 
ingham. and Charles H. Tilten and Mrs. L. 
Adams, Ashland. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 



OF 



HOPKINTON. 



Hopkinton is located in the south-western angle of Middlesex County, and 
is about 29 miles from Boston, which is north-east of the town and may be- 
reached by the Boston & Albany and the Hopkinton, Milford & Woonsocket 
railroads. The land is quite fertile, and Hopkinton is favorably known as an 
agricultural community, although, of course, it is to her manufactures that she- 
owes the great bulk of her present wealth and prominence. The surface is 
elevated, rocky and uneven, the principal eminences being Saddle Hill and Bear 
Hill, from which a far-reaching and attractive view is to be had ; and the same 
may be said concerning the highlands in the centre of the town. Hopkinton is 
well watered, and gives rise to branches of three rivers — the Blackstone, the 
Charles and the Sudbury ; while White Hall Pond and North Pond add materially 
to the attractions of the town, both from an aesthetic and a hygienic point of 
view. The natural beauty of the territory, and the excellence of the hunting 
and fishing it afforded was not unappreciated by the Indians, who were quite 
numerous in what is now the eastern part of the town, and who had a burial 
place which is still traceable by the careful observer. A company of Eliot's 
"praying Indians" was stationed here, and in 1669 the great apostle petitioned 
the legislature for land for their use in planting, a part of his petition reading 
as follows: "Whereas, a company of new praying Indians are set downe in the 
westermost corner of Natick bounds called Magwonkkommok, who have called 
one to rule and another to teach y*", of whom the latter is of the church, the 
former ready to be joyned, and there is not fit land for planting toward Natick 
but westward there is enough very rocky, these are humbly to request y*^ fit 
accommodations be granted y°' westward, and thus commiting this honorable 
Court unto the holy guidance of the Lord I rest, your humble petitioner." This 
petition was attested October 21, 1669, by Edward Rawson and William Torrey ; 
and a committee was appointed to report, but no record is obtainable of the 
decision of the court. Magunco Hill, or, as Eliot called it, "Magwonkkommok," 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF HOPKINTON. 



35 



was also called by a dozen other names, the significance of them all, however, 
being substantially the same — ''a place of great trees." This Indian town is de- 
scribed at some length in a report made in 1674 by Major General Daniel Gookin, 
who says: ' ^ Magunkaquog is the seventh town where the praying Indians 
inhabit. It is situate partly within the bounds of Natick and partly upon the 
land granted by the county. The number of its inhabitants are about eleven 
families, and about fifty-five souls. The quantity of land belonging to it is 
about 3,000 acres. The Indians plant upon a great hill which is very fertile, 
and these people worship God and keep the Sabbath and observe civil order as 
do other towns. They have a constable and other officers. This town was the 




HOPKINTON IN 1890. 

last settling of the old towns. They have plenty of corn and keep some cattle 
and swine, for which the place is well accommodated." 

Although General Gookin gave them so good a character the event proved 
that they were by no means all to be depended upon, for in 1676, or two years 
after this report, Netus, a prominent member of the community, in company 
with ten or more others, attacked the house of Thomas Eames, near Farm Pond 
Framingham. A time was chosen when he was absent, and his wife and nine 
children were the only defenders. They fought desperately and long but the 
odds were too great, and after the mother and four children had perished, the 
Indians took the rest of the family prisoners and destroyed the house, barn, 
cattle and grain. The chief of the attacking party was killed about two months 
later, one of his companions died, and three others were duly tried and 
executed. Two were pardoned, and the only reason they ever gave for the 
assault was that they missed corn which they expected to find at Mogoncocke. 



36 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF HOPKINTON. 

In 1679 the lands of Magunco were exchanged by the town of Sherborne for an 
equal amount of territory belonging to Natick. The last of the Magunco Indians 
living in Hopkinton were Samuel, John and Solomon Wamscum. 

Much of the territory going to form the town of Hopkinton was bought with 
money left by Edward Hopkins < '■ for the purpose of upholding and propagating 
the kingdom of the Lord Jesus in Kew England." This money came to Har- 
vard College, and at a meeting of the trustees held in Boston, in 1711, the fol- 
lowing votes were passed : ' ' That the committee for signing leases to the tenants 
of the lands in Hopkinton be directed and empowered, and they are hereby 
directed and empowered, to allot and set out 12,500 acres of the best and most 
improvable of the lands within the said township." '^ That they are directed to 

lay out 100 acres of land for the ministry," '^ that 100 acres shall be 

laid out for the school, training field and burying ground," "that the 

remainder of the lands over and above the 12,500 acres belonging to the trustees 
(the cedar swamps excepted) shall be a common to and among the tenants." The 
lands were rented for 99 years at three pence per acre per annum ; to be increased 
to sixpence per annum when the leases expired. In 1832 the General Court voted 
to pay from the State treasury to the trustees of the charity of Edward Hopkins 
the sum of f 10, 000 "in full settlement, satisfaction and discharge of the rents 
due, ' ' the lands thus being exempted from further taxation on that account. 
The town was incorporated Dec. 13, 1715, being named in honor of Governor 
Edward Hopkins, but the municipal government was not established until 
March 25, 1724. September 2, of the same year, a church of 15 members 
was organized, and the Rev. Samuel Barrett ordained as pastor. In 
November 7, 1725, the frame of the first meeting house was raised, and this 
structure was used for more than a century. The early records show that 
'good and sufficient schooling" was provided from the beginning. A vote 
passed March 28, 1729, being "to provide some school dames and a master." 

September 29, 1740, it was voted "that the school should be kept in five dis- 
tinct places." 

Hopkinton took an active and earnest part in the Revolution, and seemed 
to appreciate almost from the first that armed resistance was the alternative to 
submission. A town stock of ammunition was ordered bought Sept. 5, 1774 ; 
and April 17, 1775 it was voted to have a company of 40 minute men. The 
fields of Lexington, Bunker Hill, and other famous places afforded opportunities 
for the sons of Hopkinton to show their patriotism, and full advantage was 
taken ; the town being honorably represented in many decisive engagements , 
but the strain on the meagre resources of the community was tremendous, and 
the treaty of peace in 1783 was hailed with great rejoicing. The causes which 
led up to Shay's Rebellion have been so often and so fully described as to have 
made them familiar to every reader of our State history, and we will say no 
more of this ill-advised uprising than that the leader of it, Daniel Shays, was 
born in Hopkinton on Saddle Hill, in 1748. He served in the Revolution, rose 
to the rank of Captain, and was wounded at Bunker Hill. After the collapse of 
his rebellion he fled to New Hampshire and was finally pardoned. He received 
a government pension but died in poverty in 1825. Hopkinton favored the war 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF HOFKINTON. 37 

of 1812, and nobly sustained her reputation during the late Eebellion, furnish- 
ing 345 men and expending many thousand dollars. 

The boot and shoe industry is what built up this town, and it is interesting 
to know that the practice of pegging boots and shoes originated here. The dis- 
covery was made about 1819, by Joseph Walker, who founded and for years 




S. & A. Crooks' Shoe Factory, Hopkinton. 

carried on shoe manufacturing in Hopkinton. His five sons were associated 
with him, and the industry steadily increased in importance from year to year. 
In 1840 Lee Claflin, father of ex-governor Claflin, opened a factory in Hayden 
Eow ; the firm of Davenport & Gibbs also opening a factory about the same 
time. The subsequent development of the business need not be mentioned in 
detail. Taken as a whole, the manufacturing establishments of Hopkinton will 
compare favorably with those of a like character in any part of the country. 
Their annual product reaches a very high figure, but the merits of the goods are 
known and they find a ready market. Local manufacturers are quick to adopt 
improved machinery and methods, and the continued prosperity of the town 
can thus be confidently predicted. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN 



OF 



HOPKINTON, AND WOODVILLE. 



S. & A. Crooks & Co., Manufacturers of 
Boots and Shoes, Hopkinton, Mass. — It is very 
generally known that Massachusetts is the 
largest shoe-manufacturing state in the Union, 
but it may not be so generally known that 
here in Hopkinton is located the third largest 
boot and shoe factory in the commonwealth — 
that of Messrs. S. & A. Crooks & Co. The 
premises occupied cover an area of about two 
acres, and the main shop is a five-story struc- 
ture of the dimensions of 40 x 155 feet, having 
two spacious, four-story wings. There are 
also store-houses, out-buildings, etc., and the 
elaborate plant of improved machinery is 
driven by a one hundred horse engine. Employ- 
ment is given to five hundred operatives in the 
shop, and a great deal of work is done outside, 
the regular product of the establishment being 
thirty-six hundred pair per day. Fine and 
coarse, light and heavy boots and shoes are 
made, and customers are found throughout the 
country, the goods being distributed through a 
leading Boston house, that of Wm. Claflin, 
Coburn & Co. This business was founded just 
about forty years ago, operations having been 
begun by Messrs. S. & A. Crooks in 1849. In 
1860, the firm-name became Crooks & Co., and in 
1869, the existing style was adopted, the part- 
ners being Messrs. S. Crooks, A. Crooks, and 
William Claflin, Coburn & Co. Messrs. S. & 
A. Crooks are natives of this town, and have 
for years done excellent service in advancing 
the best interests of the community. Mr. 
Samuel Crooks i?* especially prominent in fin- 
ancial circles, being vice-president of the Hop- 
kinton National Bank and occupying a similar 
position in connection with the Hopkinton 
Savings Bank. It would be a hopeless as well 
as an unprofitable task to attempt to define pre- 
cisely the influence which the vast undertaking 
conducted by Messrs. S. & A. Crooks & Co. has 
exerted in making Hopkinton what it now is, 
but it goes without sajing that it has brought 
wealth and prosperity to the town, and that 
every resident is directlj' interested in its suc- 
cessful continuance. Happily this is not in 
doubt under existing conditions, for so long as 
y-made goods offered at the lowest pro- 
rates are in active demand, so long will 
rprise in question not only hold its 
steadily develop in every department. 



E. L. Bridges, Dealer in Groceries, Dry 
Goods, Crockery, Furniture, Stationery, etc. ; 
also, Funeral and Furnishing Undertaker; 
Hopkinton, Mass. — The business carried on by 
Mr. E. L. Bridges was founded a number of 
years ago by Messrs. Willard & Parker, who 
were succeeded by Mr. O. T. Willard, this gen- 
tleman giving place to the present proprietor in 
1871. The enterprise has largely developed 
since Mr. Bridges assumed control, and in 
1887, he removed to his present spacious quar- 
ters. He is a native of Holliston, Mass., and 
is one of the best-known business men in Hop- 
kinton, being prominently identified wuth the 
development of the town's mercantile interests, 
and now for the third year occupying the posi- 
tion of Town Treasurer. Mr. Bridges carries 
a very heavy and exceptionally varied stock, 
for he deals extensively in groceries, dry 




goods, crockery, glass-ware, silver-ware, sta- 
tionery, etc., as well as in furniture, carpets 
and undertaking goods. Within the necessary 
narrow limits of our space, it would be folly 
to attempt a detailed description of the assort- 
ment offered at this store, but his methods are 
so well-known that the public very generally 
understand the advantages to be gained by deal- 
ing at this representative establishment. They 
know that the stock is complete in every detail, 
and that it is offered at prices that will bear 
the closest comparison with those named any- 
where on goods of similar grade. Upholstery 
work is done to order in a workmanlike and 
durable manner at short notice, and as employ- 
ment is given to three competent and polite as- 
sistants, callers may depend upon receiving 
immediate and courteous attention at all times 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF HOPKINTON. 



39 




Horace Phipps, Livery, Hack, Feed and 
Sale Stable; First-class teams; Prices Keason- 
able; Main Street, Hopkinton, Mass. — The man 
who carries on a first-class livery, hack, feed 
and sale stable, and is moderate and fair in his 
prices confers a distinct benefit on the com- 
munity, and his establishment deserves the 
hearty support of all interested in the city or 
town in which it was located. Strangers 
generally ffain their first ideas of a locality 
when driving a livery team, and those who 
have "been there" will not deny that the 
character of the horse and carriage has much 
to do with the impression made, for it is hard 
to appreciate a beautiful view or a tastefully 
designed house when driving an animal that 
has outlived his usefulness, and is attached to 
a superannuated vehicle. On the other hand, 
a speedy and stylish turn-out makes its driver 
feel good in spite of himself, and as we want 
•all visitors to Hopkinton to have as good a 
time as possible, we take pleasure in calling 
attention to I he stable carried on by Mr. 
Horace Phipps, on Main Street. This esta- 
blishment was under the management of Mr. 
-James Morse for about twenty years, and has 
been under the control of its present proprie- 
tor since 1870. This stable has gained the 
reputation of being one of the most liberally 
and intelligently managed in this vicinity. The 
premises utilized cover an area of 4.000 square 
feet, and employment is given to three assist- 
ants, assuring prompt service to patrons at all 
times. Mr. Phipps is a native of Hopkinton, 
and is an excellent judge of horseflesh, as the 
animals he has on hand abundantly prove. 
Prices are very reasonable lor first-class 
accommodations. Mr. Phipps served in the 
^rmy for three years during the late Civil 
War. He i« one of our Selectmen, and has 
been connected with the Board of Commis- 
sioners for three years, and the Board of 
Health for over ten years. 

O. L. Brown & Co., Watchmakers, Jewel- 
lers and Opticians, and Dealers in Watches, 
Clocks and Jewelry, Spectacles and Ej'e Glass- 
es ; Reed & Barton, and Rogers Plated Ware ; 
also, Guns, Revolvers and Ammunition; Main 
Street, Hopkinton, Mass. — The business car- 
ried on by Messrs. O. L. Brown & Co. was 
founded nearly a quarter of a c* ntury ago, it 
having beiu started b}^ Mr. O. L. Brown in 
1865. In 1882, the present firm was formed, it 
being made up of Messrs. O. L. and H. D. 



Brown. The former is a native of Bethel, 
Maine, and the latter was born in East Doug- 
las, Mass. The senior partner served in the 
army during the Rebellion, and both members 
of the firm are very widely known in this vicin- 
ity. Their store is located on Main Street, and 
has an area of three hundred square feet. The 
stock is made up of jewelry, watches, clocks, 
optical goods, plated ware, etc., and guns, re- 
volvers and ammunition are also largely dealt 
in. A business, which has been established as 
long as has thi«, has attained a reputation not 
to be changed by words of praise or censure. 
The public know that absolute dependence 
may be placed upon all representations made 
at this store, and also that the firm are pre- 
pared to quote the lowest market rates on the 
various goods they handle. Watches, jewelry, 
etc., should certainly not be bought from irre- 
sponsible parties, and there can be no excuse 
for doing so when such a concern as Messrs. O. 
L. Brown & Co. sells as low as the lowest, and 
warrants goods to prove just as represented. 

M. E. Traversee, House, Sign and Carriage 
Painting; Paper Hanging, Paints, Oils, etc.; 
Hopkinton, Mass. — The appearance of a house 
depends so much upon the manner in which it 
is painted, that it is hard to understand how 
some people can be so careless in placing 
orders for painting as they unquestionably are. 
There is certainly no difficulty in having such 
work done as it should be, if only a little discri- 
mination be exercised, but it too often happens 
that the job is given to the one who bids the 
lowest, without the house owner taking the 
trouble to see whether the party making the 
bid is prepared to do the work in a durable and 
trusty manner or not. Mr. M. E. Traversee, 
located in Hopkinton, is prepared to carry out 
orders for house, sign or carriage painting in 
accordance with the most improved methods, 
and he not only guarantees his work but quotes 
as low prices as can be named when reliable 
stock and skilled labor are emplo3^ed. The 
premises occupied consists of two stories, each 
of the dimensions of 20x-40 feet, the upper 
floor being used for carriage painting, etc. Mr. 
Traversee gives immediate and careful atten- 
tion to orders, not only for carriage painting, 
but also for house and sign painting. A com- 
plete assortment of house papers, paints, oils, 
varnishes, etc., is cons*"antly on hand to select 
from, and these commodities are sold in quan- 
tities to suit at the lowest market rates. 



40 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF HOPEINTON. 



H. A. Greeley, Apothecary, Bank Block, 
Hopkinton, Mass.— The apothecary store car- 
ried on by Mr. H. A. Greeley, in Bank Block, 
was opened by Mr. H. A. Cutter in 1885, this 
gentleman being succeeded by the present pro- 
prietor in 1889. The premises have an area of 
1100 square feet, and contain a heavy stock, 
comprising everything usually found in a first- 
class pharmacy. Mr. Greeley is a native of 
New Hampshire, and since beginning opera- 
tions in Hopkinton, has elicited no little favor- 
able comment by his enterprising business 
methods, and evident determination to accom- 
modate the public to the very best of his abil- 
ity. He carries a very complete assortment of 
drugs, medicines and chemicals, and makes a 
specialty of the compounding of physicians' 
prescriptions at short notice and in the most 
painstaking manner. The charges made in this 
department are very reasonable, and his pre- 
scription trade is rapidly and steadily increas- 
ing. Toilet articles, fancy goods, confection- 
ery, stationery, soda water, etc., are dealt in 
to\a considerable extent, and both goods and 
prices give uniform satisfaction. Mr. Greeley 
also handles cigars and tobacco extensively, 
having formally been engaged in the wholesale 
cigar business in Milford, it is haMly necessary 
to say that those who buy cigars at this popu- 
lar store are sure to get full value for money 
expended. Many choice brands are offered, 
and smokers cannot afford to fail to take ad- 
vantage of the exceptional inducements here 
presented. 



M. C. Phipps, Manufacturer of Packing 
Boxes for Boots and Shoes, Grove Street, Hop- 
kinton, Mass. — Mr. M. C. Phipps was born in 
Hopkinton, and having been engaged in active 
business here for more than thirty-five years, it is 
not surprising that he should be one of the best- 
known residents of this flourishing town. He 
has served on the Board of Selectmen for fif- 
teen years, and is yet serving in that oftice, 
and is also Road Commissioner. He has repre- 
sented his town in the Legislature. His busi- 
ness has reached large proportions. Mr. Phipps 
is a manufacturer of packing boxes for boots 
and shoes, and his factory is very completely 
fitted up, enabling orders to be filled at short 
notice, and at prices that compare very favor- 
ably with any named on similar goods. The 
boxes are sold directly to manufacturers, and 
those who know the productive capacity of 
even two or three men in this line, when aided 
by improved machinery, will not need to be 
told that Mr. Phipps turns out an immense 
quantity of goods when we say that employ- 
ment is given to twelve assistants. It is from 
this factory that the power is furnished to 
pump the water used in the town. Cheap pack- 
ing boxes are essential to success in boot and 
shoe manufacturing by reason of the keen com- 
petition of the present time, and Mr. Phipps 
has certainly done his share towards making 
Hopkinton the manufacturing centre it has 
now become. 



Park House, M. H. Johnson, Proprietor, 
Hopkinton, Mass. — The Park House was form- 
erly carried on by Mr. E. Clifford, but passed 
into the possession of the present proprietor, 
Mr. M. H. Johnson, in 1888. This gentleman 
is a native of Haverhill, N. H., and as he has 
had some forty years' experience as a hotel- 
keeper, it may naturally be surmised that he 
understands his business pretty thoroughly in 
every detail. At all events, it is unquestion- 
able that he has made the Park House one of 
the most popular hotels in this section of the 
state, and that this popularity is thoroughly 
well-deserved, no one familiar with Mr. John- 
son's methods will dispute. To begin with, 
guests are provided with pleasant and comfort- 
ably furnished rooms, which are maintained in 
first-class condition. Employment is given to 
five competent assistants, and the service of the 
house is prompt, eflicient and courteous. The 
table is at all times supplied with an abundance 
of well-cooked food, and those whose time is 
of some value are sure to appreciate the 
promptness with which orders are filled, and 
the precautions taken to ensure against unnec- 
essary delay of any kind. The Park House can 
accommodate thirty guests, and its convenient 
location makes it especially popular among 
those visiting Hopkinton for business purposes. 
The terms are remarkably moderate, when the 
nature of the advantages offered is considered, 
and Mr. Johnson certainly deserves credit for 
conducting what is in many respects a model 
house of its kind. 



A. G. Brewer, Practical Machinst; Repairs 
of all kinds promptly attended to ; also, Steam 
Fitting in all its Branches a Specialty ; Main 
Street, Hopkinton, Mass. — Mr. A. G. Brewer 
was born in Brewer, Maine, and has carried on 
operations in Hopkinton since 1873. His repu- 
tation as a skilful, practical machinist is toO' 
well-known to require dwelling upon, and 
many of the large manufacturers, doing busi- 
ness in this vicinity, take advantage of his fa- 
cilities for the doing of repairing of all kinds 
at short notice and in a neat and durable man- 
ner. His shop is located on Main Street, and 
has an area of twelve hundred square feet, be- 
ing fitted up with improved machinery, tool'?, 
etc., enabling orders to be filled at moderate 
rates, as well as with very little delay. Mr. 
Brewer makes a specialty of steam fitting in 
all its branches, and is prepared to do any 
work in this line in accordance with the most 
approved methods and under a guarantee of 
complete satisfaction. He has had years of 
experience in heating buildings by steam and 
hot water, and is thus well grounded in the 
practical as well as in the theoretical details of 
such work. The efficiency, economy and dura- 
bility of a steam or hot water heating plant de- 
pend so largely upon the arrangement and set- 
ting up of the necessary apparatus, that it is 
safe to say that it is at least as important to- 
exercise intelligent discrimination as to whom 
is entrusted with this work, as it is to do so in 
the choice of the apparatus itself. Mr. Brewer 
is prepared to make estimates of the probable 
cost, etc., of heating plants, and guarantees 
that they will accomplish all that he claims for 
them. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF EOPKINTON. 



41 



M. F. Power, Dealer iu Stationery and 
Periodicals, Choice Fruit, Confectionery and 
Cigars. Fine Job printing of all kinds. Or- 
ders Taken for Bookbinding. Park House, 
Hopkinton, Mass.— One of the most attractive 
establishments in town is that conducted by 
Miss M. F. Power, and the secret of this 
attractiveness is to be found not alone in the 
nature of tlie goods handled, but also in the 
tasteful way in wliich they are di-played. 
Miss Power was born iu Hopkinton, and start- 
ed her present enterprise in 1888. She has 
built up a thriving retail trade, and has gained 
a wide-spread reputation for handling only 
reliable goods and putting her prices down to 
the lowest possible figures. The premises 
occupied are located in Park House Block, 
(with the post-office) and the stock carried is 
as large as it is attractive, and includes the 
numberless- articles generally comprising a 
stationers line of goods. Periodicals of all 
kinds are dealt in, also choice fruit, confection- 
ery and cigars. Orders are taken for all kinds 
of fine job printing, and bookbinding. Special 
attention is called to the line of stationery 
offered, for it is exceptionally comprehensive, 
and includes goods adapted for social, ceremo- 
nious, and business use. American writing 
papers have improved wonderfully in quality 
during the past few years and now can bear 
the severest comparison, with the choicest im- 
ported stock. Callers at Mi-s Power's estab- 
lishment will find thctt all the latest novelties 
are represented therein, and that well-informed 
and courteous attention is extended to all. 

Mrs. J. A. Perry, Dealer in Millinery and 
Straw Goods, 76 Main Street, Hopkinton, Mass. 
— A very considerable amount of enterprise 
and good taste is essential to the successful 
carrying on of a millinery store, and Mrs. J. 
A. Perry must certainly possess her full share 
of both these highly desirable qualities in or- 
der to conduct so popular an establishment as 
that with which she is identified. This was 
opened by Mrs. Gould, and has been under the 
management of Mrs. Perry since 1869. It has 
steadily gained in prestige and influence, 
until now^ it has few equals in its own special 
line. Mrs. Perry is a native of Stark, Me., and 
is personally very widely known here in Hop- 
kinton. The premises utilized by her at \o. 
76 Main Street cover an area of 14 by 30 feet, 
and contains one of the most skillfully selected 
stocks of fine millinery and straw goods to be 
found in this town. The latest styles are al- 
ways open to inspection, and for genuine nov- 
elties in millinery goods, this store has long 
held a reputation of its own. It is not, how- 
ever, in blindl}', following fashion that true 
taste is shown, and Mrs. Perry best displays 
her stock in suiting the prevailing mode to the 
personal peculiarities of customers. A slight 
alteration here and there will work wonderous 
changes as every lady knows, and to combine 
style and suitability is the task which Mrs. 
Perry sets for herself. Notwithstanding that 
her goods are not surpassed in this town, she 
is very moderate in her prices, and even the 
most economical among our readers will find a 
visit to her store both pleasant and profitable. 



A. Coburn, Son & Co., Boot Manufactu- 
rers, Hopkinton, Mass. — The enterprise carried 
on by Messrs. A. Coburn, Son & Co., was in- 
augurated before the war, and in 1872 came 
into the possession of Messrs. A. Coburn & Co., 
the present firm being formed in 1877. It is 
composed of Mr. Coburn who was born in 
Lisbon, N II., Mr. C. 11. Coburn, a native of 
Hopkinton, and Messrs. Wm. Claflin, Coburn 
& Co., of Boston. Aug. 27th, 188'J their facto- 
ry was destroyed by fire, within two weeks 
from that date the firm were temporally man- 
ufacturing in the storehouse of Messrs. S. & A. 
Crooks & Co. At the time of this writing they 
are building a new factory on Hayden Kowe 
street, four stories with basement 40x180 feet 
with annex four stories 28x30 feet, made with 
liard pine frame work and floors of three-inch 
spruce plank over-laid with three-inch birch 
plank. The building is supplied with the Grin- 
nel sprinkler. The boiler room is fire-proof 
and contains two sixty horse-power boilers and 
one 60-horse-power engine, and wiien complet- 
ed will be one of best equipped factories in the 
state. This firm manufacture veal and calf 
boots, A No. 1 Phister Vogal grain, veal and 
wax grain from same, largely western. The 
business would never have attained its present 
magnitude had not the facilities for produc- 
tion and the management been equal to the 
best in every respect. The output in the old 
factory was about 1200 pair per day, employ- 
ment being given to from 200 to 250 opera- 
tives. The business will be largely increased 
in the new factory. Messrs. A. Coburn, Son 
& Co., have the facilities, the will and the 
ability to meet all honorable competition, and 
the constantly growing demand for their pro- 
ductions shows that this fact is very generally 
appreciated. 

W. B. Claflin, Jr., Dealer in Hardware, 
Stoves, Kitchen Furnishing Goods and Paints; 
77 Main Street, Hopkinton, Mass.— The enter- 
prise now conducted by Mr. W. B. Claflin, Jr., 
was founded by Messrs. Geo. Gerry & Co., 
who were succeeden in 1885 by John Carr, the 
present proprietor assuming control of the 
business in 1887. He is a native of Hopkinton, 
and is w^ell known throughout the business 
circles of the town, and is thoroughly ac- 
quainted with his line in every detaU. The 
premises utilized are located at No. 77 Main 
Street, and an extensive retail business is done, 
employment being given to two efficient; and 
courteous assistants among the more prominent 
articles dealt in may be mentioned hardware, 
stoves, kitchen furnishing goods, tinware, cut- 
lery, paints, plumbing materials, etc., and no 
house in this town is in a position to otter more 
genuine inducements to buyers, than the one 
under consideration. Retail purchasers are not 
gcnerallv expert judges of the articles they 
wish to procure, and hence are pecuHarly liable 
to imposition. To such we would say, " Buy 
of a reliable nouse, of a house that has an un- 
blemished reputation, and then you may feel 
assured of perfectly honorable treatment, and 
of getting an article that is bound to suit. We 
would advise all our readers in need of any of the 
above-named goods to visit this establishment. 



42 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF HOPKINTON. 



Thomas Leonard & Son, Dealers in Teas, 
Coffees and Spices, 53 Main Street. Hopkinton, 
Mass. — The residents of Hopkinton and vicin- 
ity are competent witnesses when testimony is 
called for concerning the much disputed ques- 
tion as to whether it is better to purchase cer- 
tain goods from specialists or not, for the ma- 
jority of them are regular customers of Messrs. 
Thomas Leonard & Son, and are consequently 
in a position to declare without any reserva- 
tion that the advantages gained by dealing 
w'ith this firm at least are real and many. The 
concern in question make a specialty of hand- 
ling teas, cofl'ees and spices, and do a very 
large business, not only at their store, No. 53 
Main Street, but also by means of a w^ell-ap- 
pointed team, which is run through all the ad- 
joining towns. The senior partner has been a 
resident of Hopkinton for 40 years, while his 
son, Thos. Leonard, Jr., is a native of the 
town, 80 it is not surprising that both members 
of the firm should be universally known 
throughout this section. The extensive trade 
has not been built up without hard work, but 
it is all the more desirable on that account, and 
is sure to continue to increase as long as the 
present honorable and energetic methods are 
adhered to. " Strictly dependable goods at 
strictly bottom prices " might well be adopted 
as a motto by the firm, for that perfectly de- 
scribes their policy and aftords a satisfying ex- 
planation of their success. The store contains 
a carefully chosen assortment of crockery, 
glass-ware, lamps, etc., from which presents 
are made to customers, and a fine stock of 
cigars and confectionery is also on hand to se- 
lect from. Employment is given to from two 
to four assistants, and callers are assured im- 
mediate and polite attention. 

C. W, Claflin & Co., Dealers in all kinds 
of Anthracite and Bituminous Coal; also, all 
kinds of Wood and Kindlings ; also. Groceries ; 
Hopkinton, Mass. — They are very few com- 
modities in the purchase of which some advan- 
tages cannot be gain'^d by ordering of large 
dealers, and certainly no one will claim that coal 
is an exception to this general rule. Even when 
the price quoted per ton is the same, the concern 
doing the largest business really offers more 
for the money expended, for the coal it handles 
is apt to be more uniform in quality, and supe- 
rior delivery facilities renders it easy to fill or- 
ders promptly and accuratelj'. Considering 
the record made by the house of C. W. Claflin 
& Co. since operations were begun in 1874, it is 
but natural that this concern should hold its 
present leading position, for it has long since 
demonstrated its ability to furnish fuel sup- 
plies of standard quality at the lowest market 
rates, either in large or small lots, and the 
prompt and careful attention given every or- 
der, causes errors to be of very rare occur- 
rence. Two extensive yards are maintained in 
Worcester, Mass., one on Shrewsbury Street, 
and the other at the corner of Union and Cen- 
tral Streets, the main office being located at 
No. 375 Main Street. Orders may be left at 
any of these points with equal "certainty of 
their being satisfactorily filled. Both anthra- 
•cite and bituminous coal are dealt in, as well 



as wood and kindings of all kinds, and employ- 
ment is given to forty hands, both a wholesale 
and retail business being done. Since the death 
of Mr. C. W. Claflin, about 4 years ago, the 
business has been carried on by his son, Mr. 
C. L. Claflin, who is a native and resident of 
Hopkinton, and conducts an extensive coal and 
wood trade here also in connection with a gro- 
cery store. He is connected with the Free 
Masons, and is personally very well known, 
both in business and in social circles. He is 
one of the directors of the Hopkinton National 
Bank. The operations of this house ai-e stead- 
ily increasing, and it is pleasant to note a suc- 
cess so thoroughly deserved. 

Commercial House. E. N. Adams, Agent: 
Hopkinton, Mass. — This house, located very 
near the railroad station, was built about forty 
years ago, and has been under the management 
of quite a number of landlords since it was 
first opened. The present proprietor, Mr. E. 
N. Adams, is a native of Princeton. Mass., and 
is well known to a large portion of the travel- 
ing public, having had more than twenty years 
experience in hotel business. Mr. Adams 
assumed the management of this house in 1889. 
The house has been thoroughly renovated and 
refurnished in a neat and attractive style, the 
rooms are well ventilated and well furnished 
with good beds, and offer to the traveler a 
hospitable welcome. The aim of the manage- 
ment is to give its patrons the ease and com- 
forts of a home and a table supplied with an 
abundance of well cooked food, and in variety, 
as good as the market affords, while the service 
is prompt and courteous, and the prices are 
moderate. A good livery is connected with 
the house, where a good horse and easy car- 
riage can be had. with or without a driver, at 
reasonable rates for the service rendered. Com- 
petent assistants are employed, and all patrons 
will receive polite and considerate attention. 

B. Fenton, Hack, Livery and Boarding 
Stable, Main Street, Hopkinton, Mass. — The 
time has gone by when the worst-tasting medi- 
cine was supposed to be the most effectual in 
overcoming disease, and in fact many people 
have become convinced that medicine is a most 
excellent thing to leave alone as much as pos- 
sible, and have learned to depend more upon 
nature and less upon drugs when they find 
themselves a little " under the weather." There 
is no question but that many who suffer from 
headaches, indigestion and othc common 
troubles, would get more good out of healthful 
out-door diversions than they can out of drug 
stores, and of these diversions none is more 
generally beneficial than driving. A good 
horse and a comfortable carriage are capable 
of affording a great deal of enjoyment and 
doing wonders towards increasing one's appe- 
tite and general well-being, and in order to get 
this " prescription '' properlyj filled, it is only 
necessary to visit the establishment conducted 
by Mr. B. Fenton, on Main Street. He is pre- 
pared to furnish first-class single or double 
teams at short notice and at moderate prices, 
and we are sure that the accommodations 
offered will be found satisfactory by the most 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF HOPKINTON. 



43 



critical. This enterprise was started in 1S84 
by Mr. J. J. Fenton, who was succeeded by the 
present owner in 1886. In 1887 he removed to 
the present location, where there are 12 stalls, 
a large carriage room and all necessary facili- 
ties. Horses are taken to board at low rates, 
and are assured proper attention and comfort- 
able quarters. 

J. W. Gerry, Dealer in all kinds of Fresh 
and Salt Meats, Vegetables, etc. ; Main Street, 
Hopkintou, Mass. — Mr. J. W. Gerry has had 
considerable experience in his present line of 
business, and since opening the establismeut 
now conducted by him, in 1864, has built up a 
large retail trade by the simple pi'ocess of deal- 
ing honorably by his customers and working 
hard to furnish unsurpassed accommodations. 
The premises are located on Main Street, and 
measure 40x40 feet, and among the articles 
dealt in may be mentioned all kinds of fresh 
and salt meats, pickled fish, oysters, vegeta- 
bles, butter, cheese and eggs. Most of us are 
rather particular about what we eat, and there- 
fore it is no wonder that Mr. Gerry's store is 
steadily gaining in popularity, for the articles 
there furnished are carefully selected and are 
bound to prove satisfactory to the most fasti- 
dious. Some very choice cuts of meats are 
alw^ays carried in stock, and those who appre- 
ciate a tender and well flavored steak, and have 
had some difficulty in procuring anything of 
the kind, will find that they may purchase here 
with the full assurance that whatever repre- 
sentations are made in regard to the meats or 
other goods dealt in, are always warranted by 
the facts. The prices are uniformly satisfac- 
tory, for although Mr. Gerry does not claim to 
sell " below cost," he does claim to give 
patrons the worth of their money, and surely 
no reasonable man should expect more than 
that. Mr. Gerry is also proprietor of a board- 
ing house where he accommodates about 25 
boarders. With the facilities he enjoys of 
securing the best the market affords, it is no 
wonder the reputation of his table is such as to 
keep his accommodations constantly taxed to 
their full capacity. 

Symmes & Paterson, Bread, Cake and 
Pastry of all kinds Fresh Every Day; Hopkin- 
ton, Mass. — ''There is no place like home," sure 
enough, and not a little of the charm of home 
comes from the tasteful a d satisfying food 
that is to be obtained there. This reason is not 
so romantic as some that could be given, but it 
is a self-evident one for all of that, and indeed 
why should a person be ashamed of confessing 
that good eating is a pleasure? It is as much 
a natural taste as the love of music, of beauty 
in any form, and provided it be indulged in in 
modeVation, it is not only excusable but laud- 
able. Not the least among the " good things " 
of home is " home-made bread," and if your 
home does not possess the facilities to enable 
you to have this, or if any other reason pre- 
vents, just drop around to Symmes & Pater- 
son's bakery, on Main Street, and try what 
they can do for you. Not only home-made 
bread, but cake and pastry of all kinds can be 



obtained here fresh every day, and the hot 
brown bi-ead and baked beans furnished every 
Sunday morning, will be found first-class and 
satisfactory in every particular. Hot cream 
bread and biscuit are on hand every afternoon 
at four o'clock. If the residents of Hopkinton 
desire an}' of the above-named food supplies, 
they have only to place Messrs. Symmes & 
Paterson's card in a conspicuous place in their 
window, and they will be supplied with fresh 
and tempting goods. The individual members 
of the firm are Mr. W. E. Symmes, a native of 
Canada, and Mr. A Paterson, of Scotland. 
These gentlemen do an extensive wholesale 
and retail business, and the patrons of their 
establishment are assured of being served 
promptly, and being supplied with only fresh 
and desirable goods. 



D. P. Woodard & Co., Groceries, Croc- 
kery, Glass Ware, Cigars and Tobacco, Canned 
Goods, Flour, Hay and Grain; 56 Main Street, 
Hopkinton, Mass. — " Dlfterent people have dif- 
ferent tastes," according to the old proverb, 
and the experience of our readers has, of 
course, proved to them the correctness of that 
judgment, but after all there are some things 
"on which about everybody agrees, and among 
these may be mentioned the importance of pur- 
chasing such articles as groceries, etc., from 
reputable and responsible dealers, such as the 
firm of Messrs. D. P. Woodard & Co., doing 
business at No. 56 Main Street, and the high 
reputation they enjoy has been built up by 
nearly a score of years of hard work, for they 
began operations in 1868, and have retailed 
groceries, crockery, glass ware, cigars, tobacco, 
and canned goods ever since. The premises 
utilized comprise a main store of the dimensions 
of 32x60 feet, and a back one, 32x20 feet in 
addition to an extensive store-house. These 
premises contain a very large and extensive 
stock of articles for family use, and a very full 
and desirable assortment of the best canned 
goods. Messrs. Woodard & Co. give particular 
attention to the handling of flour, hay and 
grain of all the best grades, and careful buyers 
will find it worth their while to place orders 
with this firm, as they are prepared to supply 
the most popular brands in quantities to suit, 
at positively the lowest market rates. In fact, 
bottom prices are quoted on all the goods 
offered at this store. The individual m^-mbers 
of the firm are Mr. D. P. Woodard, a native of 
Hopkinton. and Mr. C. F. Kuggles, of Upton, 
Mass. These gentlemen are in a position to 
meet all honorable competition, while no 
trouble is spared to deliver orders with prompt- 
ness and accuracy. Buying as they do, strictly 
for cash, and thereby getting all cash dis- 
counts, they own their goods at the very lowest 
prices; therefore they can sell lower than 
parties buying on long credit, without getting 
the advantage of, not only buying very much 
lower, which must be seen at a glance, but also 
the benefit of all cash discounts which are 
oftered to cash buyers, which is quite an item 
to the merchant of to-day. 



44 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF HOPKINTON. 



Clifiord House, E. B. Clifford, Proprietor, 
Main Street, Hopkiuton, Mass. — Mr. E. B.Clif- 
ford has carried on the hotel bearing his name 
since 1888, but was well and favorably known 
to the traveling public previous to that date, 
as proprietor of the Park House in this town. 
The Clifford House can accommodate twenty 
guests, and we know of no hotel which is more 
deserving of favorable mention, for, although 
there are many houses of much greater preten- 
sions, it would be hard to find one where the 
comfort of pati'ons is given more careful con- 
sideration. Mr. Clifford is a native of Salera, 
Mass., and served in the arm}' during the Re- 
bellion. He has had no little experience in his 
present line of business, and thoroughly un- 
derstands how to make his guests feel at home, 
and how to provide acceptable accommodations 
at very reasonable rates. The Clifford House 
is comfortably and neatly furnished, the guest 
rooms are light, airy and attractive, and the 
entire premises are kept in fii-st-class condition 
at all times. As for the table, it is hard to see 
how even the " chronic growler " can find 
fault, for the food is excellent in quality, 
abundant in quantity, and is served neatly and 
promptly. The terms of the house are moder- 
ate enough to suit the most economically dis- 
posed, and those who have occasion to visit 
Hopkinton on business or pleasure, will best 
serve their own interest by availing themselves 
of the advantages offered at this well-managed 
and popular establishment. 

C. H. Morse & Co., Successors to Morse 
Brothers ; Dealers in Teas, West India Goods 
and Groceries, Crockery, Glass and Wooden 
Ware, Flour and Grain ; Main Street, Hopkin- 
ton, Mass. — We have given a good deal of pro- 
minence in this book to the grocery trade of 
Hopkinton and vicinity, but no more than its 
importance warrants. A great deal of capital 
is invested in this line of business, and the 
firms and individuals engaged in it are among 
the most enterprising in the community. One 
of the most deservedly popular enterprises of 
the kind refered to is that of which Messrs. C. 
H. Morse & Co. are now the proprietors, their 
establishment being located on Main Street. 
The establishment under consideration was 
founded in 1857, by Messrs. W. H. and C. H. 
Moi'se, the firm-name being changed in 187G to 
Morse Brothers, and so continued until 1881, 
when the present firm succeeded to the busi- 
ness. Teas, West India goods and groceries of 
all kinds are handled very extensively, and 
those who appreciate strictly reliable goorts 
and prompt and courteous attention, need no 
further inducement to place their orders with 
Messrs. C. H. Morse & Co., than the treatment 
they receive at their store. Generallj' speak- 
ing, it may be said that their stock includes a 
full selection of choice family groceries, but 
we wish to call particular attention to the croc- 
kery, glass and wooden ware, flour and grain 
handled by them, as these are of exceptionally 
fine quality, and are offered at prices within the 
reach of all,- and such articles as we have men- 
tioned can always be bought of this firm to 
excellent advantage, as a trial order will 
amply demonstrate. 



Erastus Thompson & Co., 121 Summer 
Street, Boston; Manufacturers of Fine Kip^ 
Grain, Split and P. Calf Boots, Grain, Split 
and Kip Brogans, and Plow Boots and Shoes ; 
Factory at Hopkiuton, Mass. — There is no firm 
which is better known and none which occu- 
pies a higher position in its special line of 
trade than that of Erastus Thompson & Co., 
for this concern has been in business a long 
time — long enough to make its products thor- 
oughly familiar to the trade, and consequently 
long enough to attain an unsurpassed repu- 
tation for turning out goods of uniforn merit. 
The salesrooms are located at No. 121 Summer 
Street, Boston, and the factory here in Hopkin- 
ton is one of the best equipped establishments 
of the kind which even Massachusetts can 
boast. From ground floor to attic it is fitted up 
with the most improved machinery, and the 
care taken in the selection of this, as well as in 
the choosing of the stock used, has been one of 
the most potent factors in developing the busi- 
ness, as it has enabled the firm to reduce the 
expense of production to a minimum, and at 
the same time to secure increased accuracy in 
the performance of the various processes in,- 
cideutal to the work. The heaviest orders can 
be filled at comparatively short notice, and the 
lowest market rates are quoted in every in- 
stance. Among the specialties manufactured 
may be mentioned fine kip, grain, split and P. 
calf boots, pegged and standard screw, togeth- 
er with heavier grades comprising grain, split 
and kip brogans and plow boots and shoes. 
These goods are all meant for "business" 
wear, as they are made from stock particularly 
adapted to the purposes for which they are de- 
signed, and are unsurpassed if not unequalled 
for durability. They have stood the te-t of 
j'ears of practical service, and are preferred 
today by consumers throughout the country. 

Stewart & Fairbanks, Carriage and 
Wagon Builders and Jobbers in all branches of 
the Carriage and Smithing Trades ; Hopkinton, 
Mass. — Mr. J. D. Stewart and Mr. L. F. Fair- 
banks, doing business at 83 Main Street, Hop- 
kinton, Mass., while not in actual partnership, 
yet their interests are so allied that we treat 
them by request in the form of partnership. 
Mr. Stewart was born in Nova Scotia, and has 
carried on the c^irriage business in this town 
since 1877. Mr. Fairbanks was born in Bel- 
lingham, Mass., and is the pioneer carriage 
ironer and repairer in this town, having com- 
menced business here over twenty years ago. 
The reputation of both these gentlemen as ex- 
perienced and reliable carriage builders and 
repairers is by no means confined to Hopkin- 
ton, for their customers are widely distributed, 
and we believe it would be impossible to find one 
who has reasonable cause for complaint re- 
garding treatment received, for both spares no 
pains to satisfy their patrons, and strive to 
faithfully carry out every agreement. Their 
establishment is located at No. 83 Main Street; 
the carriage shop measures 30 x 50 feet, being 
fitted up with all necessary machinery, which 
is run by a 5-horse power engine, while the 
smith shop is large and commodious enough to 
conveniently carry on all the business of the 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF HOPKINTON. 



45 



stand. The reliability of the work turned out 
here is one of its most prominent features, and 
as a consequence, Messrs. Stewart & Fair- 
banks are called upon to make many vehicles, 
which are sure to be put to very hard and con- 
tinuous use, — as for ins-tauce, express wagons, 
meat carts, etc. Orders can be tilled at short 
notice, and the prices quoted are as low as the 
use of selected stock and the employment of 
skilled labor will permit. Repairing in all its 
branches is made a specialty, the work being 
done promptly, neatly and at uniformly rea- 
sonable rates. 

Mahon Brothers, Dealers in Dry and 
Fancy Goods, Groceries, I'rovisions, Meal, 
Feed and Grain, Main street, Hopkinton, Mass. 
— The most of us have to work pretty hard for 
what money we get, so it is perfectly natural 
that when we come to spend it, we should 
desire to rpceive as much in return as circum- 
stances will allow. There is really as much 
art in knowing how to spend, as in knowing 
how to earn, and one of the first principles of 
this art is to deal with a firm of high and estab- 
lished reputation. Such a concern is that of 
Mahon Brothers for since these gentlemen be- 
gan operations here in Hopkinton, in 1870, 
they have followed such a liberal and honor- 
able policy in their management of affairs as 
to have gained the entire confidence of such 
of the public as are acquainted with their 
methods. Both these gentlemen are person- 
ally well known throughout this vicinitj'. 
Mr. James Mahon has been assessor and rep- 
resentative, and Mr. Bernard Mahon is con- 
nected with the Board of Water Commissioneis. 
Their stock consists of dry and fancy goods, 
carpets, crockery and glass-ware, groceries, 
provisions, etc., and in short merchandise in 
general, including flour, meal, feed and grain. 
The store occupied is located on Main street 
and covers an area of 30 by 100 feet. Three 
competent assistants kre employed and every 
caller is given immediate and polite attention. 
Fair dealing and bottom prices are the causes 
of this establishments popularity, and we are 
happy to note success so honestly deserved. 

M. McEnelly, General Store ; Hopkinton, 
Mass. — The establishment conducted by Mr. 
M. McEnelly was formerly known as the Hop- 
kinton Cooperative Store, but has been in the 
hands of the present proprietor since 1873. It 
would probably be easier to tell what Mr. 
McEnelly does not deal in, then to mention all 
the articles handled by him, for his stock is 
very extensive and very varied, comprising 
groceries, flour, grain, hardware, toj^s, furni- 
ture, tin-ware, glass-ware, crockery and kitchen 
furnishings. He also added to his assortment 
a full line of boots and shoes which are offered 
at a very low price. The premises occupied 
are very spacious, and therefore the stock can 
be examined with comparative ease, making 
the task much more agreeable than would 
otherwise be the case. Employment is given 
to two competent assistants, and callers receive 
prompt and polite attention at all times. Mr. 
McEnelly's business methods are very generally 
known by this time throughout Hopkinton and 



vicinity, and that they are satisfactory to the 
public, is proved by tne extensive and growing 
trade enjoyed. No misrepresentation is prac- 
tised or allowed in this store, every article 
being sold strictly on its merits and at a price 
that will always bear comparison with those 
named by any dealer on goods of equal merit. 
Mr. McEnelly is an experienced and careful 
buyer, and his favorable relations with whole- 
salers and manufacturers enable him to offer 
his customers special inducements in every 
department of his business. 



WOODVILLE. 



G. & P. W. Wood, Boot and Shoe Manu- 
facturers, Woodville, Mass.— The enterprise 
conducted by Messrs. G. & F. AV. Woodaftbrds 
so striking an example of the development of 
the shoe manufacturing industry during the 
past score of years or so, that it is particular- 
ly worthy of mention, aside from its leading 
position among the business undertakings of 
this section. Operations were begun in 18G7, 
the shop then utilized comprising four floors 
of the dimensions of 25x50 feet. Employment 
was given to about 40 assistants, and the pro- 
duct of the first year amounting to 1200 cases, 
it being the result of hand work entirely. 
About 1870 they bought of their father. Col. 
Albert Wood — from whom the village derived 
its name of Woodville, the stone mill with 
water power from which they then transmitted 
power back to the old shop by means of a wire 
rope and using both shops until 1877, when the 
business had increased so to demand much 
larger accommodations and the present mill 
was built. Its dimensions are 36 x 90 feet, 
four stories high. The water power is derived 
from a reservoir covering 600 acres of which 
this firm are part owners, and which is at the 
head of the Sudbury river. At the present 
time, the firm employ 175 operatives and turn 
out about 16,000 cases per annum, or in other 
words not quite 4 1-2 times the original force 
of assistants is required to produce more than 
13 times as many goods, besides the factories 
already mentioned the firm have three store- 
houses varying from one to four stories, and 
of the respective dimensions of 35x108, 25x50 
and 30x40 feet. There is also a boiler house, 
20x30 feet in size, containing a 40-horse boiler 
for heating purposes ; the extensive plant of 
improved machinery to be found throughout 
the factory being run bv water power. The 
total capacity of the establishment is 1100 pair 
per day, and the average production is about 
900 pair. All kinds of boots and shoes are 
manufactured, a specialty being made however 
of heavy work. The firm is constituted of 
Messrs. G. & F. W. Wood and Messrs. H. New- 
hall & Co., the latter concern being engaged in 
business at No. 33 High street, Boston, and 
acting as selling agents for the factory. Both 
the Messrs. Wood are natives of Woodville, 
and Mr. F. W. Wood, has served on the Board 
of Selectmen. The community has greatly 
profited by the operations of this enterprise. 



46 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF WOODVILLE. 




Reservoir House, L. E. Coolidge Pro- 
prietor, W. S. Gamage, Clerk, Hack, Livery 
and Sale Stable connected, Woodville, Mass. 
L. E. Coolidge, Manufacturer of and Dealer in 
Fine Carriages and Sleighs, Eobes, Blankets, 
Whips, etc., also Extensive Dealer in Horses, 
Telephone Connection, Woodville, Mass. — 
It would certainly be a strange and unaccount- 
able omission to neglect to make mention of 
Mr. L. E. Coolidge in this review of the lead- 
ing business men of Hopkinton and vicinity, 
for the gentleman in question carries on several 
important enterprises with such uniform suc- 
cess that it would be difficult to determine 
which of them is the most popular. He is 
proprietor of the Reservoir House, which has 
long been widely and favorably known, and 
which has become more popular than ever 
since undergoing the recent alterations by 
which its capacity was increased and its 
conveniences greatly added to. It has been 
thoroughly renovated inside and out, and con- 
tains steam-heating apparatus, elective bells, a 
well appointed and a spacious billiard room. In 
fact, the accommodations are strictly first-class 
in every respect, and the popular Clerk, Mr. 
W. S. Ganiage, ably seconds Mr. Coolidge in 
his efforts to render entirely satisfactory ser- 
vice and make every guest feel comfortable 
and "■at home." The table is supplied with an 
abundant variety of good, substantial food, 
and there are thirty pleasant and well-kept 
guest-rooms. Parties can be accommodated at 
very short notice and the terms are uniformly 
moderate. Connected with the house is a Hack, 
Livery and Sale Stable, which is also owned by 
Mr. Coolidge and is consequently run on the 
same liberal principles as characterize the 
managemeut of the hotel. Stylish and speedy 
single or double teams may be hired here at 
any time, and careful and polite drivers, well 
acquainted with neighboring points of interest, 
etc., will also be furnished if desired. Mr. 
Coolidge deals very extensively in horses, and 
those who want such an animal and appreciate 
the advantages of buying of a reputable and 
responsible party may save themselves trouble 
and expense by giving him a call. He is a 



manufacturer of and dealer in Fine Carriages- 
and Sleighs, his Repository occupying one 
story and a basement, of the dimensions of 40x. 
100 feet. A heavy stock is carried, but a 
specialty is made of Ordered Work, which is 
done at short notice and in the most skillfull 
and painstaking manner. Robes, Blankets, 
Whips and Horse Furnishings in general are 
largel}^ dealt in, and all articles handled may 
be bought on the Instalment Plan if desired. A, 
Paint and Repair Shop is run in connection 
with the Carriage Factory, and Carriage, Sigui 
and Ornamental Painting is done in first-class 
style at low rates. All the establishments 
mentioned have Telephone Connection, and 
orders thus received are given as prompt and 
careful attention as those given in person. Mr. 
Coolidge's business is so extensive and com- 
plete that for four years he has had Mr. John 
A. Thayer as Salesman who gives personal at- 
tention to the details of the business, he is a 
man of experierience and has a large circle of 
acquaintances, having formerly kept a Hotel 
in Westboro, whether you want a Horse, Sleigh, 
Carriage, Harness, Robe or Horse Furnishings, 
'•'John" is authority. The rapidity and ease 
with which he will sketch in word pictures 
their merits, might cause one to query if he is 
the son of an artist. But you need not dis- 
count his judgment for "square dealing," is 
the motto here. Some idea of the business 
transacted at this Emporium may be gained 
from the fact that in 1889 nearly 400 horses 
and over 2000 harnesses were sold, a specialty 
being made of harness trade, for both jobbing 
and retail trade. Mr. Coolidge was born in 
Woodville and has carried on operations since 
1881, at that time succeeding Mr. E. J. Cool- 
idge. Mr. Coolidge is the present Postmaster 
at Woodville. He has built up a very large 
business and attained a most enviable reputa- 
tion as a man who gives full value for money 
received in every transaction. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF WOODVILLE. 



AT 



H. M.Rockwood, Dealer in Choice Family 
Groceries and Dry Goods. The Choicest Brands 
of Minnesota and St. Louis Flour, Also Grain 
and Hay. Woodville, Mass. — The store car- 
ried on by Mr. H. M. Rockwood, in Woodville, 
is one of the best and most favorably known 
establishments of the kind which could be 
found in this section, for it has been conducted 
by its present proprietor ever since 1876, and 
the record made for enterprise and honorable 
dealing is one that is deserving of unstinted 
praise. Mr. Rockwood was born in Belling- 
ham, Mass., and served in the army for 15 
months during the late war. He has a very 
large circle of friends in Woodville and vicin- 
ity, and gives such careful personal attention 
to the many details of his business that it is 
no wonder he is enabled to offer many advan- 



tages to his customers. The store is 28x56 
feet in dimensions, and contains a most skill- 
fully chosen assortment of choice staple and 
fancy groceries, dry goods, teas, coffees, 
spices, fish, pork, salt, oil, canned goods, 
crockery, glass ware, cigars and tobacco. 
Flour, grain and hay are also largely dealt in, 
a specialty being made of the chcjicest brands 
of Minnesota and St. Louis flours, these bi ing; 
especially adapted to family use, and sure to 
give complete satisfaction to the most fastidi- 
ous. Mr. Rockwood quotes low prices in this 
department, and in fact on all the good^^ he 
handles, for he enjoys very favorable relations 
with producers and wholesalers and gives his 
customers their full share of the benefits thus 
obtained. 



HISTORICAL SKKTCH 



OP 



ASHLAND. 



Being a town of comparatively recent origin, Ashland has none of that ro- 
mantic interest associated with her early history which is possessed by com- 
munities dating back to Colonial times, for, although the Indians once occupied 
the territory now included in the town limits, the history of their occupation 
properly belongs to the records of those towns from which Ashland was formed, 
— Framingham, Hopkinton and Holliston. HoUiston furnished about one-fifth 
of the required territory, and the remainder was supplied by the other tw^o 
towns mentioned, in almost equal proportions. The name of the original village 
was Unionville, and why this name was appropriate may be judged from the fact 
that the centre of it (or of the present town of Ashland) was four miles from 
Hopkinton, five miles from Holliston, and four miles from Framingham. The 
act of incorporation was passed March 16, 1846, but not without hard and per- 
severing work, for Hopkinton was heartily opposed to the movement, and the 
struggle was long, earnest and at times bitter. The Eev. Joseph Haven, Jr., 
was the pastor during this period, and was strongly in favor of the formation of 
the proposed new town, but he did not over-estimate the importance of success 
as so many are apt to do, for, in a sermon preached at this time, he said: *'It 
will make no difference with any one of you whether you die in Ashland or in a 
place called by some other name, but it will make a difference whether you wake 
in heaven or hell." Mr. Haven was a man of extraordinary ability, and finally 
became Professor of Mental Philosophy at the Chicago Theological University 



48 



HISTOBICAL SKETCH OF ASHLAND. 



holding that position at the time of his death. After being incorporated, the 
residents of Ashland found that they stood in need of many things, as, for in- 
stance, new roads, new school-houses, a town farm, a town hall and a fire engine. 
A cemetery was also a necessity, and take it all in all, the towns-people found 
abundant use for every dollar of public money that could be raised. They man- 
aged very well, supplying the most pressing needs first, and constantly progress- 
ing in the right direction. The Boston & Albany Eailroad was opened for travel 
as far as Unionville in 1834, the first train arriving September 20, and being re- 
ceived with great enthusiasm. Large crowds were present, and an artillery 
salute was given the president and directors of the road. A post- office was es- 
tablished here January, 1835. At the time of incorporation, the town had a 




Street in Ashland, 1890. 

population of twelve hundred, the valuation being $421,659 ; and in 1870, the 
population had increased to 2,186, and the valuation to $1,288,732. The Sud- 
bury Eiver runs the entire length of the town, and affords a considerable amount 
of water-power if it could but be utilized. The act obtained by the City of Bos- 
ton in 1872, in the interest of an additional supply of pure water for that munici- 
pality, proved a serious blow to the development of Ashland, inasmuch as it had 
results which no one anticipated, the consequence being that while full provision 
was made for the compensation of the individuals whose property was taken, the 
practical operation of the act worked injustice in various cases, notably that of 
the Dwight Print Co., this concern finding that while they had a right to use 
water-power, they could not discharge bleaching and coloring matters into the 
stream, and hence could not operate their works. After the year 1875, the town 
lost in population and valuation for a time, but when things had been adjusted 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF ASHLAND. 



49 



to the changed conditions, the tide turned, and material progress has since been 
made. Shoe manufacturing is now a prominent industry, and the present pros- 
pects in this and in other fields of labor are highly encouraging. There is cer- 
tainly no good reason why Ashland should not become a manufacturing centre 
of no small prominence, and great progress has been made in that direction dur- 
ing the past decade. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF ASHLAND. 




Factory of Houghton, Coolidgk & Co. 



Houghton, Coolidge & Co., Manufactur- 
ers of Fiue, Coarse, Light aud Heavy Boots 
and Shoes, Factory, Ashland, Mass. — Great 
Shoe Factories are so common in Massachu- 
setts that they excite no special comment, and 
are looked upon as entirely natural and com- 
mon-place by the residents of tliat state, but 
still there are some few factories which are of 
so prominent and representative a character 
that they are justly entitled to particular con- 
sideration, and among these muct be classed 
that conducted in this town by Messrs. Hough- 
ton, Coolidge & Co. This business was found- 
ed many years ago. It is constituted of 
Messrs. William S. Houghton, Albert L. Cool- 
idge and Geo. D. Clapp, these gentlemen re- 
side in Boston, while Messrs. W. B. Temple 
and J. E. Tilton are the managers of the bus- 
iness here. As for the magnitude of this, — the 
simple fact that 1,000,000 pair of Boots and 



Shoes were made in 1889, affords as significant 
an indication of it as can be given in a few 
words. The premises made use of include one 
building 4-stories in height and 365x45 feet in 
dimensions ; another of similar height measur- 
ing 220x45 feet, and a 2-story store-house lOOx 
80 feet in size. Employment is given to 500 
hands, who operate what is probable as fine 
and elaborate a plant of shoe manufacturing 
machinery as New England can show. The 
product comprises Fine, Coarse, Light and 
Heavy Boots and Shoes, and is shipped to all 
parts of the country ; the firm of Houghton, 
Coolidge & Co., being favorably known in 
every section of the Union. No goods are 
more uniformly reliable than these, and as or- 
ders are promptly filled and bottom prices 
quoted at all times, the great magnitude of the 
business is only what might reasonably be ex- 
pected. 



50 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF ASHLAND. 



C. T. Aldrich, Woolen Manufacturer, Ash- 
land, Mass. — The surprising cheapness of 
ready-made clothing at the present time is due 
in a great measure of course to the immense 
scale on which the manufacture of such gar- 
ments is conducted, and the improved methods 
of cutting and making ; but due credit should 
also be given to the woolen manufacturers who 
have spared neither trouble nor expense to re- 
duce the cost of material suitable for present- 
able and durable garments to a minimum. A 
great proportion of the cheaper grades of cloth- 
ing is made from what are technically known 
as Satinets, and one of the most extensive man- 
ufacturers of Satinets in this section of the 
state is Mr. C. T. Aldrich, who carries on a bus- 
iness founded more than a quarter of a century 
ago ; operations having been begun by Messrs. 
Davis, Fales & Co., in 1863. Ten years later 
Messrs. C. & C. T. Aldrich assumed control, 
this firm being made up of the present owner 
and his father, and being succeeded in 1876 by 
Messrs. Taft & Aldrich; so continuing until 
Mr. C. T. Aldrich assumed sole possession in 
1882. He is a native of Millbury, Mass., and is 
very widely known in trade circles, the pro- 
ducts of his mill being distributed among job- 
bers and clothing manufacturers in all parts of 
the Union. The business is not confined to the 
manufacture of Satinets, Blankets also being 
extensively produced, many styles being man- 
factured including those especially adapted 
to household, ship and stable use. The nature 
of the product is governed by the demands of 
the market, the entire resources of the estab- 
lishment being sometimes devoted exclusively 
to the manufacture of Satines or of Blankets 
as the case may be, and so successfully has this 
policy been carried out that the business has 
doubled since the preseno owner assumed sole 
control; while the little village adjacent, in 
which Mr. Aldrich is a large owner, has also 
increased greatly in size and importance. The 
mill is a .S-story structure of the dimensions of 
140x45 feet, having a 2-story ell measuring 72 
x45 feet. There is a separate building two 
stories in height and 60x40 feet in dimeusions, 
in which the preparatory processes are carried 
on. Both water and steam power are available, 
but the main dependence is placed upon the 
former, the mill privilege at this point on the 
Sudbury River being unusuallv valuable, as 
there is a fall ef 24 feet giving about 170 horse- 
power. It is the possession of so reliable and 
economical a source of power that has done 
more than anything else to build up this rep- 
resentative enterprise to its present extensive 
proportions, for it of course exercises 
a highly important influence upon the 
cost of production and enables Mr. Aldrich 
to meet all honorable competition. He em- 
ploys gome 80 operatives, and the plant of ma- 
chinery in use includes 50 narrow and 20 broad 
looms, six sets of woolen machinery being 
operated. Every process is conducted under 
careful supervision, and the uniform ex'^el- 
lence of the product has much to do with the 
steadily increasing demand for it from all 
parts of the country. 



J. E. Woods, Boston Branch, Grocery and 
Tea House, Ashland, Mass. — The premises 
utilized for the Boston Branch Crockery and 
Tea Depot, in Ashland, comprise a store 20x55 
feet, and a store-room 30x36 feet in dimensions, 
and when it is stated that these accommoda- 
tions are severely taxed by the magnitude of 
the stock on hand, it is unnecessary to add that 
the assortment olFered is extensive as well as 
varied. This enterprise was inaugurated in 
1883 by the firm of Pike & Woods, the present 
proprietor Mr. J. E. Woods, assuming entire 
control of the business in 1889. Mr. Woods is 
a native of Upton, Mass., and very well known 
throughout Ashland and vicinity. Crockery 
ware is largely dealt in, the stock comprising^ 
late novelties as well as a full line of staple 
goods, and being well worthy the inspection of 
those interested in such articles. Teas, Coffees, 
Flour and Grain are also extensively handled, 
some very fine grades being offered at remark- 
ably low pricos, Columbia Mills Flour, and 
the Nectar Brand of Old Government Java Cof- 
fee being made specialties. Four competent 
assistants and two teams are employed, and an 
extensive retail business is transacted, and 
every article handled is not only guaranteed to 
prove as represented, but is furnished at the 
lowest market rates. 



Twiss Brothers, Bakers and Dealers in 
Bread, Cake and Pastry, Wedding and Bride's 
Cake made to order, Ashland, Mass. — Although 
Bread is not so much the "Staff of life" now as 
was the case when meat was much more jpar- 
inglj'^ used, than at present, still it maintains a 
very prominent position among our food sup- 
plies, and the health of the community is di- 
rectly dependent upon its quality. Therefore 
the importance of using first-class Bread is 
obvious, and so many people prefer "bakers 
bread" to that made at home, we take pleas- 
ure in calling attention to the excellence of 
that produced and sold by Messrs. Twiss 
Brothers, for these gentlemen use only the 
best materials, employ skilled and careful as- 
sistants, and in short spare neither trouble nor 
expense to maintain the enviable reputation 
their products have won since they begun 
operations in Ashland. The enterprise in ques- 
tion was originally founded by Mr. Henry 
Locke. Who was succeeded in 1883 by Mr. 
Hiram Poole and he by the present firm in 
August, of the same year, Mr. M. F. and T. E. 
Twiss are both natives of Boston, Mass., and 
are highly respected throughout Ashland and 
vicinity. When they began business here the 
average weekly consumption was only 3 barrels 
of flour, now it is 16 barrels. The premises 
made use of by them comprise one floor and 
basement each 20x40 feet in dimensions and are 
very completely fitted-up. Bread, Cake and Past- 
ry are manufactured and dealt in, Weddingand 
Bride's Cake being made to order. Moderate 
prices being quoted on all the articles handled. 
Both a wholesale and retail business is done 
requiring the services o^ four assistants and 
two teams. Orders are given immediate and 
painstaking attention and prompt and courte- 
ous service is the rule at all times. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF ASHLAND. 



51 



Dr. E. J. Dixon, Dentist, GreenwoocFs 
Block, Aslilaiid, Mass. — We sometimes hear a 
person spoken of as " the fortunate possessor 
of a sound, white set of teeth " and in certain 
instances the word " fortunate" may be prop- 
erly used in that connection, but as a general 
rule, those who possess sound and handsome 
teetli may justly claim that it is not good for- 
tune but good sense that has preserved them. 
The eating of improper food, the drinking of 
ice-cold or steaming hot fluids, a disregard for 
cleanliness, any and all of these practices, are 
destructive to the teeth, and before you in- 
veigh against your " bad luck " in having to 
visit the dentist, it is well to think whether 
you are in the habit of indulging in them or 
not. Teeth do not decay without a cause and 
indeed, in many cases they stand a wonderful 
amount of abuse without serious injury. 
Whether one has trouble with his teeth or not, 
it is a good plan to have them examined by a 
competent dentist occasionally, for "an ounce 
of prevention is worth a pound of cure," and 
this is the cheapest as well as the best course 
to pursue in the long run. There is no danger 
that any of our readers will question the en- 
tire competency of Dr. E. J. Dixon, for this 
gentleman has carried on his profession here, 
since January 1st, 1886, and is well and favor- 
ably knovvn throughout this section. He is a 
native of Elliott, Maine, and he gives special 
attention to difficult gold fillings. Persons 
having old and troublesome sets of teeth can 
have them remodelled and made as good as 
new for the small amount of $5.00, espeoial 
mention should be made of the fact that Dr. 
Dixon uses the " Boston Vegetable Vapor " for 
extracting teeth, it is a perfectly safe and 
pleasant substitute for ether and nitros oxide 
gas and all other anaesthetics. It is composed 
from nervines which form a powerful sedative 
imparting oxygen to the system to sustain life. 
The youngest child, the most sensitive lady 
and those having heart disease inhale this 
vapor with safety. It is indorsed by the high- 
est authority in the profession. It is adminis- 
tered the same as nitros oxide gas. From two 
to fifteen teeth can be extracted at one admin- 
istration of the vapor. A saving of from 10 
to 25 per cent, can be made by having your 
work done at this office in Greenwood's Block. 

O'Connor & Shaughnessy, Dealers in 
Choice Teas, Pure Spices and Cofifees, Flour, 
Grain, Groceries and Canned Goods, Railroad 
street, Ashland, Mass. — The new store located 
on Railroad street, opposite the depot, and 
occupied by Messrs. O'Connor & Shaughnessy 
is most admirably adapted for the purposes for 
which it is used as well as being an ornament 
to the thoronghfaTe on which it stands. It 
affords excellent accommodations for the 
lieavy and varied stock carried by Messrs. 
O'Connor & Shaughnessy, consisting of choice 
teas, pure coffees and spices, flour, grain, gro- 
ceries and canned goods, in which they deal 
at retail. Both Mr. A. H. O'Connor and Mr D. 
^. Shaughnessy are natives of Ashland and 
founded their present prosperous undertaking 
in 1889. Competent assistants are employed 
and customers are served with a courtesy and 



promptness that go far to explain the popular- 
ity this enterprise has attained, while the 
prices quoted aflbrd the best possible evidence 
that the flrm enjoys the most favorable rela- 
tions with producers, and wholesalers, and are 
in a position to supply first-class goods at the 
very lowest market rates. It would be simply 
impossible to give a detailed description of the 
articles comprising the large stock within rea- 
sonable limits, and therefore we will simply 
say that it is exceptionally complete in every 
department, and is made up of goods selected 
from reliable sources. Special attention is 
given to the handling of choice groceries, 
flour, etc., and all the most popular grades 
for family use are supplied at bottom prices. 

Edward T. Billings, Pharmacy, Front 
street, Ashland, Mass.— The establishment 
now conducted by Mr. Edw. T. Billings is cer- 
tainly well worthy of prominent mention in 
such a work as this, for aside from its present 
popularity, it is of especial interest on account 
of its being one of the oldest pharmacies in 
town. The original proprietor was VV. A. 
Til ton who was succeeded by the present pro- 
prietor in 1877. Mr. Billings having been pre- 
viously engaged in this line of business in 
Newton. He is a native of Boston, and ranks 
among our best known townsmen, and is at 
present Town Clerk, and Justice of the Peace. 
The premises are of the dimensions of 20x40 
feet, and are located on Front street, and the 
office of the public telephone is here. They con- 
tain a large and varied stock, and old patrons 
need not be told, that every article bought at 
this store is sure to prove precisely as repre- 
sented. A full assortment of drugs, medicines 
and chemicals is carried, and prescriptions are 
compounded in the most skillful and careful 
manner at short notice and at low rates. Toi- 
let and fancy articles are dealt in to a consid- 
erable extent and offered at moderate prices. 
A fine line of stationery is at hand to choose 
from and all callers are assured prompt and 
polite attention. 

C. H. Tilton, Jr., Dealer in Coal, Ashland, 
Mass. — One must be an expert in order to be 
able to judge the comparative value of coal 
from its appearance, and as there is great var- 
iation in the various brands on the market, 
some containing a much larger percentage of 
ash and clinker than others — it is well to place 
orders with a house that makes a specialty of 
family trade and is prepared to supply the 
kinds best adapted to domestic use. Such a 
one is that conducted by Mr. C. H. Tilton, and 
not only is the coal strictly satisfactory in 
every respect but the prices quoted are invar- 
iably in accordance with the very lowest 
market rates. Mr. Tilton spares no pains to 
offer the best possible service to the public, 
the delivery of orders being prompt and reli- 
able at all times. The yard has a storage ca- 
pacity for a large number of tons of coal, and 
a heavy stock is constantly carried, compris- 
ing all the kinds in most active demand. Mr. 
Tilton has gained the reputation of being a 
reliable business man, and has a very large 
circle of friends, and patrons, in this vicinity. 



52 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF ASHLAND. 



S. A. Davis, Dealer in Books, Stationery, 
Periodicals and Fancy Goods, Choice Confec- 
tionery, Teas and Coffees, Fruit, Nuts, Cigars, 
etc. Sewing Machine Needles and Findings. 
Circulating Library. Picture Frames made to 
order. Agent for Mme. Demorest's Reliable 
Patterns. Railroad street, Ashland, Mass. — 
It is verj'- certain that no account of the prom- 
inent business men of Ashland would be com- 
plete were not mention made of Mr. S. A. 
Davis. The enterprise conducted by him was 
originally founded in 1869, and has been under 
his enterprising management since that date. 
The establishment is located on Railroad St., 
and may well be called the •' Mecca " of those 
who are literarily inclined througliout Ashland. 
The reasons for this are many, and prominent 
among them is the fact that any books, papers 
or music published may be obtained through 
Mr. Davis, at publishers rates while he car- 
ries a full selection of books, stationery, peri- 
odicals and fancy goods, and also has a 
circulating library. Mr. Davis is a native of 
Woodstock, Maine, and served for nearly two 
years in the army, during our late Southern 
war. The premises utilized by him are 20x40 
feet in dimension and contain in addition to 
the publications already mentioned, a large 
and varied stock, including choice confection- 
ery, pure teas, coffees, fruits, nuts, etc., also 
cigars and tobacco. Sewing machine needles 
and findings. Mr. Davis makes picture frames 
to order, and is also agent for Mme. Demorest's 
reliable patterns, and extensive retail trade 
is transacted requiring the services of compe- 
tent and well informed assistants. This is an 
establishment which the Ashland people may 
well be proud of, for few stores even in the 
cities display so varied and attractive a stock, 
the vear round, as is to be found here. 



Theodore Jones, Dealer in Meats and 
Vegetables, Ashland, Mass. — Such of our read- 
ers as are fond of good living, and wish to 
know where to purchase good food supplies at 
the best advantage, should make an early call 
at the establishment conducted by Mr. Theo- 
dore Jones, for this gentleman carries one of 
the heaviest and most carefully-selected stocks 
to be found in Ashland and vicinity, and 
whether you want meats or vegetables, he is 
prepared to furnish first-class goods at the 
lowest market rates. He founded the under- 
taking of which he is now the proprietor in 
1881. The premises occupied ai'e centrally 
located, and no room is wasted, for each de- 
partment of the stock on hand is kept well 
supplied, and as a consequence all orders can 
be promptly filled. Beef, pork, lamb, corn- 
beef and poultry may be bought here in any 
desired quantitj' at bottom prices and choice 
cuts are made a specialty, Mr. Jones being 
prepared to suit the most fastidious customer. 
He is a native of New York State and served 
in the army as a member of the 36th regiment, 
M. V. M., over three years, during our late 
civil war. The retail trade transacted by Mr. 
Jones requires the services of competent assist- 
ants and two teams. The stock of meat and 
vegetables is made up of carefully chosen 



goods, that are offerad at very low rates. Cus- 
tomers are assured polite attention, and all 
goods may be depended upon to prove as rep- 
resented, 

Scott's Hotel, W, A. Scott, Proprietor, 

Ashland, Mass. — " Scott's Hotel " has been 
carried on by the present proprietor, Mr. W. 
A. Scott, for over forty years, and has gained 
a reputation among those appreciative of 
square and liberal dealings which is by no 
means confined to this vicinity. Mr, Scott is a 
native of Leicester, and is very well known 
throughout Ashland, having been selectman 
and assessor of this place. He does not pre- 
tend to compete with hotel-keepers who pay 
more attention to "style" than to anything 
else for he considers comfort to be of much 
more importance than any amount of style, 
but those who wish an abundance of good, 
nutritious food; comfortable and well-kept 
beds ; well-lighted and airy rooms and cour- 
teous service can find them all at " Scott's 
Hotel, and will be charged no fancy price for 
them either. Some thirty or forty guests can 
be accommodated, and eight assistants are at 
hand to assure prompt and satisfactory atten- 
tion to all, Mr. Scott conducts a first-class 
stable in connection with his hotel, which is 
fitted up with all modern improvements, and 
having good accommodations for thirty horses, 
and single of double teams can be furnished at 
short notice at any time, and tliose who have 
made trial of Mr. Scott's facilities need not be 
told that they are decidedly superior to those 
usually offered at a public livery stable. Mod- 
erate prices rule and no trouble is spared to 
fully maintain the unsurpassed reputation so 
long enjoyed. 

C. E. Thayer, Pharmacist, Central Block, 
Ashland. — The drug business carried on bv Mr. 
Thayer, in Central Block, was founded more 
than a score of years ago, operations having 
been begun in 1869, by Mr. Fred. N. Oxley, 
who was succeeded by the present proprietor 
in December. 1889. Mr. Thayer is a native of 
Randolph, Mass., and despite the short time he 
lias been indentified with his present establish- 
ment has alreadj' gained the entire confidence of 
those who have availed themselves of the faci- 
lities he offers, for he is very careful and 
thorough in his methods, and as he has had 
some fifteen years of practical experience in 
the prescription business, he is excellently 
well qualified to meet all demands made upon 
him. A large and complete stock is carried, 
made up of drugs, medicines and chemicals of 
every description, carefully selected from 
reputable sources, and unsurpassed for fresh- 
ness and purity. Physicians' prescriptions are 
compounded at the shortest possible notice con- 
sistent with the exercise of the watchful care 
so essential to insuring against even the most 
trivial errors, and the charges made are uni- 
formly moderate and satisfactory. A fine 
assortment of toilet articles, fancy goods, 
cigars, confectionery, etc., is constantly on 
hand to choose from, and sufficient assistance 
is employed to assure prompt and polite atten- 
tion to every caller. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF ASHLAND. 



53 



Charles Grieshaber, Manufacturer of 
Meus" and Boys" Buff, Oil Grain, Veal Calf, 
Bal Shoes and Strap, Ashland, Mass. — Mr. 
Charles Grieshaber is a native of Germany but 
has resided in Ashland for 28 years, during 
which time he has become widely and favor- 
ably known throughout this section. He in- 
augurated his present enterprise in 1885, and 
is rapidly building up a prosperous business, 
for his productions are of uniform merit and 
are offered at the lowest market rates, while 
all orders are promptly and carefully filled, 
Mr. Grieshaber is a manufacturer of mens' and 
boys' buff, oil grain, veal calf, bal. shoes and 
congress, and utilizes for factory purposes one 
floor and a basement, of the dimensions of 30x 
40 feet. He employs from 4 to 6 assistants 
and sells direct to retailers, thus saving one 
profit to the consumer and enabling him to get 
a thoroughly dependable article at a low price. 
The factory is well supplied with labor-saving 
machinery, and extensive orders can generally 
be filled at very short notice. Every opera- 
tion is carefully carried out, for the proprietor 
means to manufacture goods that can be con- 
fidently guaranteed and he therefore uses 
selected material and insists upon skilful and 
thorough workmanship. His goods are both 
handsome and durable and have never failed to 
give excellent satisfaction wherever introduced. 



Chas. T. Scott, Dealer in Dry and Fancy 
Goods, Fruit, Confectioner)^ etc. ; Main Street, 
Ashland, Mass. — Among the various retail 
establishments located in Ashland and vicinity, 
we question if one could be found which has 
gained a greater degree of popularity in an 
equally short space of time, than that now 
conducted by Mr. Charles T. Scott. This gen- 
tleman is a native of Gill, Mass, and succeeded 
Abie Turner in the business to which we have 
referred, in 1882. It is now about seven years 
since he became identified with it, and yet the 
purchasing public could put no more con- 
fidence in it, or more highly commend the 
advantages offered, if it had been familiar to 
them for a quarter of a centur)'. The explana- 
tion of this state of affairs is not so diflicult as 
it might seem, for it simply consists of the 
policy which Mr. Scott has pursued from the 
beginning — that of never misrepresenting 
goods in the slightest degree, and of taking 
pains to give full value for money received in 
every instance. Of course, to carry out such a 
plan successfully requires intimate knowledge 
of the goods handled, as well as a firm deter- 
mination to profit by legitimate methods alone, 
but the fact that Mr. Scott has succeeded 
even beyond the expectations of his well- 
wishers, proves that he was and is excellently 
well equipped for the line of business he has 
chosen. The premises utilized are located on 
Main street, and are 18 x 50 feet in dimensions. 
A fine stock of dry and fancy goods, fruits and 
confectionery is always on hand to choose from, 
and the prices quoted are sui'e to suit the most 
economically disposed. Two competent assist- 
ants are employed, and prompt and careful 
attention is assured to every caller. 



Alvah Metcalf, Box Manufacturer ; Pleas- 
ant street, Ashland, Mass. — One of the most 
completely equipped factories of the kind to 
be found in Massachusetts, is that conducted 
by Mr. Alvah Metcalf, on Pleasant street, and 
this establishment is all the more worthy of 
prominent mention from the fact that its pro- 
ductions find a market among the manufac- 
turers carrying on operations in this immediate 
vicinitj'^; it thus being a " home enterprise " in 
the best sense of the phrase. The undertaking 
was founded just about half a century ago, 
operations being begun in 1840, by Mr. Henry 
Bacon, who was succeeded nine j'ears later by 
Mr. Micah Priest, he giving place to the j)resent 
proprietor in 1857. Mr. Mefcalf is a native of 
Appleton, Maine, and has been prominent in 
town as well as in business affairs, having 
served six years as Selectman, and also having 
acted as School Committeeman. Under his 
energetic management the industry has deve- 
loped very extensively, some idea of its present 
magnitude being afforded bv the fact that 
2,000,000 feet of pine boards and 300,000 feet 
of hemlock boards are consumed annuall3\ 
This immense amount of material is made up 
into packing boxes for boots and shoes, thread, 
dry goods, etc., Mr. Metcalf's customers being 
found throughout this section. The premises 
utilized comprise a main mill containing two 
stories and a basement of the dimensions of 
44x01 feet; a three-story ell, 24 feet square, 
and a two-story ell of similar dimensions. Both 
water and steam power are available, the latter 
being furnished by a 25-horse engine, and em- 
ployment is given to fifteen assistants. These 
extensive facilities enable Mr. Metcalf to fill 
orders verj- promptly and at prices as low as 
the lowest. 



J. H. Jackson, Dealer in Beef, Veal, 
Lamb, Mutton, Pork, Ham, Fruits and Vege- 
tables, etc., Ashland, Mass. — Although Mr. J. 
H. Jackson only inaugurated his present busi- 
ness in 1889, he has already built up an exten- 
sive trade, and it may safely be predicted that 
if he adheres to the principles which have 
thus far governed his management of affairs, 
the present steady and rapid growth of patron- 
age will continue. People like to have a large 
and varied stock of meats and vegetables to 
choose from, and also like to feel sure that 
whatever they buy will prove as represented, 
and both these desires can be gratified by deal- 
ing with Mr. Jackson, as many of the residents 
of Ashland have already learned. The pre- 
mises made use of comprise a store, 25x30 
feet in dimensions, and the assortment offered 
includes beef, veal, lamb, mutton, pork, ham, 
shoulders, lard, sausages and tripe, which are 
quoted at the lowest market rates. Fruits and 
vegetables of all kinds are extensively 
handled in their seasons. Two competent 
assistants and one cart are employed, and 
orders are filled and delivered with a prompt- 
ness and accuracy pleasant to see. Mr. Jack- 
son is a native of Jackson, Maine. He wants 
the patronage of the public, and is willing to 
work to get it, being confident that those who 
once open dealings with him will have no 



54 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF ASHLAND. 



reasons to regret having done so. Callers at 
this store are attended to courteously as well 
as quickly, and care is taken to give no one any 
reasonable cause for complaint. 



J. A. Balcom, Manufacturer of Boots and 
Shoes, Button, Congress and English Bal's, 
Made from the Best A Calf, Veal Calf, Buff and 
German Oil Grain a Specialty ; Ashland, Mass. 
— There is no shoe factory in this section of 
the state whose productions have a higher and 
more thoroughlj^ deserved reputation than 
have those turned out at the establishment con- 
ducted by Mr. J. A. Balcom, and it is not at all 
surprising that such should be the case, for 
Mr. Balcom has had over a quarter of a cen- 
tury's experience in his present line of busi- 
ness, and as he has unsurpassed facilities and 
employs skilled and careful assistants, he 
should certainly be able to produce goods that 
will bear the severest comparison with those of 
similar grade made elsewhere. Operations 
were begun by Messrs. P. Blake & Co., in 1864, 
Mr. Balcom being a member of this firm, and 
assuming sole control in 1874. He is a native 
of Harvard, Mass., has served as Chief Engi- 
neer of the fire department, and is at present 
connected with the Board of Selectmen. His 
factory is a three-story and attic building of 
the dimentions of 75x30 feet, and is fitted up 
in every part with the very latest improved 
machinery. A specialty is made of Button, 
Congress and English Bals, made from the 
best A calf, veal calf and German oil grain ; 
and these goods will be supplied at short notice 
and at the very lowest market rates. From 100 
to 150 pairs are made dailv. the product being 
disposed of through prominent jobbing houses 
throughout the country. Mr. Balcom's goods 
give the best of satisfaction to consumers, and 
are highly spoken of by leading retailers. 



E. L. Edgecomb, Engraving and Watch 
Repairing, Spectacles and Jewelry, Ashland, 
Mass. — Mr. E. L. Edgecomb has been engaged 
in selling and repairing watches, jewelry, etc., 
in Ashland since 1888, and certainly ought to 
know his business very thoroughly by this 
time in every detail. In fact, tliere is no 
question but that he does, and as there are 
many obvious advantages to be gained by 
dealing with a man who is thoroughly familiar 
with the articles he handles, we can give no 
better advice to such of our readers that 
want anything in Mr. Edgecomb's line, 
than to counsel them to give him an early call. 
He occupies a store 15 X 25 feet in dimensions, 
and offers a fine assortment of watches, jewelry 
and optical goods. These goods are carefully 
selected, and are in every instance warranted 
to prove as represented, while the prices 
quoted in connection with them are uniformly 
moderate. Particular attention is given to 
watch repairing and engraving, orders being 
filled at short notice in a thoroughly satisfac- 
tory manner. Mr. Edgecomb has gained an 
enviable reputation, and is one of our most 
highly reputed business men. 



Perry & Enslin, Dealers in Stoves, Ranges, 
Furnaces, Hardware, Farming Utensils, Tin, 
Wooden, Glass, Britannia and Silver Plated 
Ware ; Marble Slabs, Paints, Window Glass, 
Paper Stock, etc, Ashland, Mass. — In making 
mention of some of the oldest establishments 
in Ashland, we wish to say at the outset that 
the one now conducted by Messrs. Perry & 
Enslin has other tilings besides merely age to 
distinguish it from the ordinary establishments 
of the kind. It was founded over forty years 
ago, by Mr. John Clark, and after one or two 
changes in its management passed into the 
possession of the present firm, in 1877. Mr. 
Edwin Perry is a native of Holden, Mass., and 
Mr. FranklinEnslinof W.Roxbury, Mass. The 
latter gentleman has long been prominent in 
town affairs, having been Assessor, and at 
present holding the office of Town Treasurer. 
Doing so large a retail and manufacturing 
business, it is of course necessary for Messrs. 
Perry & Enslin to have spacious' quarters, the 
premises utilized comprising a wareroom, store- 
room and workshop, each of the dimenrions of 
30x50 feet. The large stock handled includes 
stoves, ranges, furnaces and farming utensils 
of all kinds, which are offered at the lowest 
market rates, and the tin, wooden, glass, Brit- 
annia hardware and silver plated ware sold at 
this store has an enviable reputation for general 
excellence. Marble slabs, paints, window 
glass, paper stock, etc., are also handled, and 
includes the productions of leading American 
and foreign manufacturers. Messrs. Perry & 
Enslin handle rags and tin peddlers' supplies, 
also manufacture tinware, and make a specialty 
heating with hot water, having every facility 
at hand for the proper execution of all such 
work. They employ fifteen competent and 
reliable assistants, and are in a position to 
quote as low rates on labor and goods as any 
firm in this vicinity, and the public have the 
satisfaction of knowing that all goods are 
sure to prove as represented. 



C. H. Spooner, Painter & Paper Hanger 
Ashland Mass. — It is always well to know of 
the address of a reliable and skilful painter 
and paper-hanger, for the services of such a 
man are apt to be needed at almost any time, 
and when haste is advisable, it is very annoy- 
ing to have to stop to look up the record of 
those making a specialty of work of this kind. 
We therefore take pleasure in calling the at- 
tention of our readers to the facilities offered 
by Mr. C. H. Spooner, for this gentleman not 
only does work equal to the best, but quotes 
uniformly moderate rates in connection with 
the same. His establishment is centrally lo- 
cated affording ample room for the carrying of 
a complete assortment of painters' supplies all 
of which are of guaranteed quality. Mr. 
Spooner employs an eflicient force of assis- 
tants and is prepared to fill orders for exterior 
or interior ])ainting and for paper-hanging, at 
very short notice. He has carried on business 
in this vicinity for some years, and his steadily 
increasing patronage affords significant evi- 
dence that his customers are well satisfied 
with the results attained. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF ASHLAND. 



55 



A. A. Coburn, Clothing, Dry Goods, Boots, 
Shoes, etc., Ashlaud, Mass. — It is a lieavy and 
varied stock that is oflfered by Mr. A. A. 
Coburn, but after all, the highest praise that 
can be accorded it, is that all the many articles 
comprising it can be confidently guaranteed to 
prove as represented. The establishment in 
question was founded in 1868, by Messrs. Geo. 
W. Jones & Co., who were succeeded by Co- 
burn & Enslin, Mr. A. A. Coburn assuming 
full control of the business in 1877, having 
been connected with the business since its 
inception. He has won a high place in the 
confidence of the purchasing public, for he 
makes it an invariable rule to sell goods 
strictly on their merits, and displaj'^s great 
enterprise in catering to all classes of trade. 
Mr. A. A. Coburn is a native of Hopkiuton, 



Mass. He has been assessor of Ashland, and 
served three years in the army during our late 
civil war, and was promoted to 1st Lieutenant, 
and is extremely well known personally 
throughout this vicinity. The premises uti- 
lized comprise a double store 50x50 feet in 
dimensions, and the stock dealt in, consists of 
clothing, dry goods, boots and shoes, etc., 
embracing the latest novelties in its various 
departments, and the prices being as low as 
the lowest. Employment is given to three 
competent and courteous assistants, and goods 
will be cheerfully shown at any time. This is 
a truly representative establishment, and its 
high standing is creditable alike to the pro- 
prietor and to the community that give practi- 
cal proof of their appreciation of honorable 
and enterprising methods. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 



OF 



HOLLISTON. 



The territory, in which the town of Holliston is located, was explored as 
early as 1659, and in that year, Major Eleazer Tucker of Dedham received a grant 
of land from the General Court, including what is the central portion of the pres- 
ent town. This land was sold by him to Lieut. Henry Adams of Medfield, who 
used it as a pasture, and his son Jasper camped at the foot of a hill, then called 
Jasper Hill but now known as Mount Hollis. From the summit, the son could 
signal to his father in Medfield by means of fires. There was no actual settle- 
ment within the limits of Holliston until after the incorporation of Sherborn in 
1674, and the work proceeded very slowly, there being only thirteen signers of 
the petition which was presented to the General Court asking that the western 
part of Sherborn be incorporated as a separate and distinct town. These signers 
comprised all the land-owners but five ; and at this time the population was about 
one-hundred. The bill was, however, passed without difficulty, Holliston being 
duly incorporated Decembers, 1724, and being named '' in honor of the illustrious 
Thomas Hollis, Esq., of London." Monday, December 25, 1724, the first town- 
meeting was held, at the house of Timothy Leland, there being five selectmen 
ehosen, together with all other necessary officers. The fourth of January follow- 
ing, at a second meeting, it was voted to erect a meeting-house on the southeast- 
erly side of Jasper Hill, on the westerly side of the road, on the Honorable 
Colonel Brown's farm. It was to be 40 x 32 feet in dimensions, and to have a 
post-height of twenty feet. The house was finished in 1728, and was repaired 
and enlarged about a half-century later, being the only house of worship in town 
until 1822. Between the middle of December, 1753, and the first of February, 



66 



HISTOBICAL SKETCH OF HOLLISTON. 



1754, Holliston was visited by a strange disease, some of the symptoms of which 
were not unlike the influenza or ''la grippe" of 1889-90. The sufferers had 
"violent and piercing pains in the breast or side, a high fever, and great diffi- 
culty of expectoration." This was a terrible fatal sickness, however, and swept 
off more than one-eighth of the population, or fifty-three out of four-hundred. The 
most singular feature of this pestilence was that it was confined to this one town^ 




CoK. Washington and Central Streets. 



and departed as it came, apparently without cause. The people looked upon it^ 
of course, as a visitation of Providence, and were greatly impressed thereby, it 
putting an end to all unneighborly contentions for a considerable time. Hollis- 
ton came bravely to the front in the Revolution, fully endorsing the action of the 
opponents of the Stamp Act and other oppressive measures, and freely voting 
money and supplies for the Continental Army. There is no record of the num- 
ber of men furnished, but there is no doubt but that the town went beyond what 
was legally demanded. Equal patriotism was shown during the Civil War, three 
hundred and fifty-four soldiers being furnished, of whom sixty- six were natives 
of the town. Money was appropriated in 1866 for the erection of a Soldier's 
Monument, and the square granite shaft stands in the southeast corner of the 
central burying ground, on its sides being cut the names of those who perished. 
July 4, 1847, is a notable date in the history of the town, as this was the day 
the first train of cars was run to Holliston Centre. Railroad communication had 
its usual effect in stimulating business, but the great growth of the town dates 
from about the year 1850, owing to the development of boot and shoe manufac- 
turing and other industries. The pioneer shoe manufacturer was Colonel Ariel 
Bragg, he beginning operations in 1793. Straw goods manufacturing was begun 
in 1815, and other branches of production have been engaged in from time to 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF HOLLISTON. 



57 



time, although as yet shoe manufacturing and straw goods making are the repre- 
sentative industries. The business of the town is in a generally flourishing con- 
dition, and there would seem to be excellent reason to confidently expect a con- 
tinuance of this desirable state of affairs. 




LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF HOLLISTON. 



HoUiston National Bank, Holliston. — 
The iueeption of the enterprise carried on by 
the Holliston National Bank occurred nearly 
40 years ago, for this institution was incor- 
porated as a State bank in 1853, being reorgan- 
ized under the national banking laws in 1865. 
Its history is largely that of the town in which 
it is located. The bank has from the first been 
intimately identified with the development of 
this particular community, home interests 
having guided its policy almost exclusively 
and home enterprises of genuine merit having 
ever received its hearty and valuable co-opera- 
tion. From the very nature of things such a 
record was unavoidable, for the past and pres- 
ent oflicers of the institution have been and are 
men prominent in local business circles and 
keenly interested in anything bearing upon the 
material and moral welfare of the community. 
We might enlarge upon this subject, for there 
is certainly material enough to make a very 
interesting as well as instructive essay, but the 
limitations of space forbid, and we will con- 
tent ourselves with presenting the following 
list of the names of those now actively con- 
nected with this representative undertaking : — 



President, J. M. Batchelder; Vice-President,^ 
Thomas E. Andrews; Cashier, John H. An- 
drews; Directors, Henry E. Bullard, P. E. 
Johnson, Uriel Cutler, John M. Batchelder, 
Thomas E. Andrews, Daniel C. Mowry, Newell 
L. Cutter, all of Holliston, and A. K. Leland 
and Franklin Grout, of Sherborn. Business is 
carried on in pleasant and well lighted quarters, 
in a brick Bank Block, on Washington street, 
owned by the National Bank and built in 1872, 
the premises being furnished with most ap- 
proved and modern appliances for protection 
against fire and burglars, and occupied in con- 
junction with another typical local enterprise, 
"the Holliston Savings Bank. A general bank- 
ing business is done, including the reception of 
deposits, the collection of drafts, the discount- 
ing of approved commercial paper, etc., and 
considering the field occupied, there is no finan- 
cial institution in the state oftering greater 
conveniences or a more generally etticieut ser- 
vice to customers. The bank has a capital of 
$150,000 and a surplus of $30,000, ranking with 
the soundest of New England financial enter- 
prises, and enjoying very favorable relations 
with leading banks in all parts of the country. 



58 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF EOLLISTON. 



HoUiston Savings Bank, Holliston, Mass. 
— A man who can save on small earnings has 
learned how to economize; has learned the 
value of money, and has learned the impor- 
tance of those " small things " a disregard of 
which has wrecked so many enterprises. It is 
obvious therefore that an institution which 
encourages the habit of saving is a genuine 
boon to any community, and still further 
proof of this fact is afforded by the good ac- 
complished by the Holliston Savings Bank 
since its incorporation in 1872. Being estab- 
lished and carried on by men who had the en- 
tire confidence of the community its facilities 
have been largely availed of from the very 
first, and there is no question but that thous- 
ands of dollars are now held on deposit at this 
bank which would never have been saved had 
not this enterprise been inaugurated. A man 
may not get rich by putting his surplus income 
in a savings bank, but at all events he and his 
family are protected to some extent against 
the assaults of misfortune, and the capital so 
amassed may enable him to engage in lucrative 
operations which would otherwise have to go 
unimproved. No sounder institution of the 
kind than the Holliston Savings Bank is to be 
found in Massachusetts, and not only is its 
financial condition excellent, but the character 
and ability of those in charge of the enterprise 
afford conclusive evidence that it is liable to 
remain so. The president is Mr. Daniel C. 
Mowry, and the vice-presidents Messrs. Henry 
BuUard and James H. Leland ; the treasurer 
being Mr. Orrin Thomson and the investment 
committee, Messrs. J. M. Batchelder, Uriel 
Cutler, Henry Bullard, O. W. Gassett, J. F. 
Fiske. 

A. M. Cutler, Apothecary, Washington 
Street, Forbes' Block, Holliston, Mass. — Were 
the various business establishmonts of Hollis- 
ton to be mentioned in the order of their use- 
fulness, that conducted by Mr. A. M. Cutler, 
in Forbes block, Washington street, would be 
prominent among the leaders of the list, for a 
well-managed pharmacy is a great accommo- 
dation to the public, and no exceptions can 
reasonably be taken to the manner in which 
Mr. Cutler carries on the establishment in 
question ; the service being prompt, courteous, 
and above all reliable. Operations were begun 
in 187.0, by Mr. H. M. Wheeler, who was suc- 
ceeded by Mr. I. A. Bursley, the present pro- 
prietor coming into possession in 1877. He is 
a native of this town and is so generally known 
in this vicinity that extended personal men- 
tion is hardly called for. The premises made 
use of measure 18 1-2 x 40 feet and are very 
conveniently fitted-up; particularly the pre- 
scription department, for a specialty is made 
of the compounding of prescriptions and every 
facility is at hand to secure absolute accuracy 
in the filling of such orders. A complete as- 
sortment of drugs, medicines and chemicals is 
constantly carried and the most unusual pre- 
scriptions can be compounded without delay, 
moderate charges being made in every instance. 
Mr. Cutler also deals in confectionery, toilet 
articles, cigars and other articles usually kept 
in a first-class pharmacy. 



Samuel Whiting, Manufacturer of Chairs 
and Packing Boxes, Holliston, Mass. — There are 
two very prominent New England industries 
represented in the enterprise conducted by Mr. 
Samuel Whiting, for this gentleman is a manu- 
facturer of chairs of all kinds, and is also ex- 
tensively engaged in the making of packing 
boxes. He is a native of Franklin, Mass., and 
has been identified with his present establish- 
ment since 1880. Mr. Whiting is in a position 
to meet all honorable competition, for he has 
an excellently equipped factory, it being fitted 
up throughout with the most improved ma- 
chinery, driven by a steam engine of fifty horse- 
power. The premises are sixty feet square, 
and two stories in height, being so arranged as 
to reduce the expenses of production to the 
lowest possible point. Employment is given 
to from five to fifteen assistants, and the facili- 
ties at hand are so extensive that even the 
heaviest orders can be filled at very short no- 
tice when haste is required. Mr. Whiting has 
the reputation of turning out thoroughly relia- 
ble goods, and is evidently determined to main- 
tain it, for he gives the undertaking very close 
personal supervision, and spares no pains to 
assure uniformity of excellence in the manu- 
factured product. 

C. F. Thayer, Pharmacist, corner of Wash- 
ington and Central Streets, Holliston, Mass. — 
There can be no question as to the representa- 
tive character of the establishment conducted 
by Mr. C. F. Thayer, at the corner of Washing- 
ton and Central Streets, for this pharmacy has 
not only a high local reputation, but is held in 
great esteem by many out of town patrons, 
who endeavor to manage so as to obtain all 
their medical supplies from this reliable source. 
The enterprise was inaugurated by Mr. T. E. 
Andrews, who was succeeded in 1874 by Mr. 
J. L. Wilkinson, the present proprietor having 
had control since 1877. He was born in Ash- 
land, Mass., but has long been thoroughly 
identified with Holliston aft'airs, having served 
on the School Committee, being a trustee of 
the Savings Bank, and acting as treasurer of 
the Business Men's Association. Mr. Thayer 
is a thoroughly competent and very painstak- 
ing pharmacist, and this fact has, of course, 
much to do with the popularitj^ of his estab- 
lishment, for those conversant with his meth- 
ods place the utmost confidence in his skill and 
carefulness. A very complete stock of drugs, 
medicines and chemicals is constantly carried, 
and prescriptions can be compounded at short 
notice of ingredients obtained from the most 
reliable sources. Very reasonable prices are 
quoted in this department, and it is very large- 
ly patronized. A fine assortment of fancy 
goods, toilet articles, druggists' supplies, etc., 
is also at hand to select from, together with 
the leading brands of cigars. Moderate prices 
rule, and sufficient assistance is employed to 
assure prompt and and polite attention to ev- 
ery caller. Mr. Thayer is also agent for the 
^tna Fire Insurance Company of Hartford, 
and does quite a line of insurance for this pop- 
ular company, being prepared to place risks in 
other companies where a distribution of the 
risk is desired. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MOLLIS TON. 



59 




#^ 



S. Wilder & Co., Manufacturers of Copper 
Force, VV^ell, Cistern and Air-Chamber Pumps, 
Holliston, Mass. — It is more than half a cent- 
'ury since the enterprise conducted by Messrs. S. 
Wilder & Co., was inaugurated, 
and the demand for Pumps has 
undergone many radical modifi- 
cations, but they are still .staple 
articles in the market and will 
doubtless continue so for many 
generations to come. The un- 
dertaking was founded in 1836, 
by Messrs. Houghton & Joslin, 
this firm being succeeded by 
Messrs. S. Wilder & Co., in 
1849, and the latter firm-name 
has been retained, although Mr. 
Sidney Wilder died in 1888, 
leaving Messrs. Charles and 
George Wilder sole proprietors. 
Both these gentlemen are na- 
tives of Clinton, Mass., and 
have fairly " grown-up " in 
their present business, at which 
they are skilful practical work- 
men, — a fact which goes far to 
explain the uniform excellence 
of their productions. The 
premises utilized comprise one 
story and a basement, of the 
•dimensions of 32x50 feet, and are thoroughly 
fltted-up with all necessary facilities for the 
manufacture of Copper Force, Well, Cistern 
and Air-Chamber Pumps of various capacities 
and prices. The firm employs three compe- 
tent assistants and work themselves, thus be- 
ing in a position to intelligently guarantee the 
goods they send out and to fill orders at short 
notice. Carefully selected material is used, 
the best of workmanship insisted upon, and in 
fact no trouble is spared to fully maintain the 
enviable reputation so long held. 



E. T. Rawson, Dealer in Cooking and Par- 
lor Stoves, Furnaces, Ranges, Stove Castings, 
Sheathing Paper and Kitchen Furnishing 
Ooods, Tin Roofing and Jobbing done to order, 
Holliston, Mass. — There are some very hand- 
some stoves made nowdays, but were some of 
the most elaborate of them to be judged by the 
rule "handsome is that handsome does" they 
would make a very poor showing, for beautiful 
as they are to look at, their interior arrange- 
ments is so poor that they are wasteful of fuel 
and indeed give out but Very little heat any- 
way. Not that we mean to say all "Art" 
stoves inefficient, for such is not the case, their 
being some which are as useful as they are 
handsome, and the way to get such stoves is to 
place your order with a thoroughly informed 
and strictly reliable dealer, as for instance Mr. 
E. T. Rawson, who is a native of Holliston and 
founded his present business more than a score 
of years ago. He utilizes very spacious prem- 
ises, having a total area of some 3200 square 
feet, and carries a large and desirable assort- 
ment of Cooking and Parlor Stoves, Furnaces 
and Ranges, the latest improvements being 
represented in the goods handled and the 
prices quoted being low enough to suit the 
most economically disposed. Mr. Rawson will i 



put in a Stove or Furnace and fully warrant it 
to do all that is claimed for it, provided it be 
used in accordance with instructions, for no 
stove can do good work if improperly handled. 
Stove Castings, Sheathing Paper and Kitchen 
Furnishing Goods are also largely dealt in, and 
particular attention is paid to Tin Roofing and 
Jobbing, orders being filled in a thoroughly 
workmanlike manner and at short notice. 

B. A. Bridges & Son, Dealer in Meats 
and Provisions, Washington Street, Holliston, 
Mass. — The business carried on by Messrs. B. 
A. Bridges & Son was founded more than 20 
years ago and has been conducted by the pres- 
ent firm for about 8 years. Operations were 
begun byMr. B. A. Bridges in 1869, and the ex- 
isting firm was formed in 1882 by the admis- 
sion of Mr. N. E. Bridges, who is a native of- 
HoUiston, his father having been born in Mil- 
ford, the senior partner served two and one 
third years in the army during the Rebellion 
entering as Private and coming out with a Cap" 
tain's Commission. He has acted as Distric 
Representative in the Legislature, and at pres" 
ent is a member of the Board of Selectmen' 
having served in that capacity seven years" 
The firm utilizes well-appointed premises on 
Washington Street, and deal largely in Meats 
and Provisions of every description. A very 
heavy and varied stock is constantly carried, 
and not only all tastes but all prices are suited, 
for the prices vai'y as much as do the goods 
and are always strictly in accordance with the 
lowest market rates. Choice cuts are always 
at hand to select from, and as employment is 
given to two experienced and efficient assistants 
callers may safely depend upon receiving im- 
mediate and polite attention at all times. 

O. L. Cutting, Holliston Bakery, and Deal- 
er in Bread, Cake and Pastry, Foreign and 
Domestic Fruit, Holliston, Mass. — If Mr. O. 
L. Cutting does not know how to carry on a 
bakery by this time it is certainly not from 
lack of experience, for he has been identified 
with that line of business ever since 1865 and 
should be familiar with it in every detail. As 
a matter of fact, we believe that he is thoi-- 
oughly conversant with the requirements of 
the public and is liberal and painstaking in 
catering to them, for since he assumed control 
of the Holliston bakery, in 1883, he has made 
it one of the most popular establishments of 
the kind in the county. Mr. Cutting was 
born in Framingham. Mass., and served nearly 
two years in the army during the Rebellion. 
He is widely known personally in Holliston 
and vicinity, and his energetic and straight- 
forward business methods have made him 
many friends. Both a wholesale and retail 
trade is carried on, bread, cake and pastry be- 
ing supplied in quantities to suit at the lowest 
market rates. Employment is given to five 
competent assistants, and callers are assured 
prompt and polite attention. Mr. Cutting 
deals in foreign and domestic fruit to some 
extent and is prepared to quote prices as low 
as the lowest. He gives his business careful 
personal supervision and is continually trying 
to improve the service rendered. 



60 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF HOLLISTON. 



Forbes, Wilson & Co., Manufacturers of 
Men's, Boys' and Youths' Wax, Kip, Split and 
Grain Boots and Shoes ; Boston Office, 1034 
Summer Street ; Factory at Holliston, Mass. — 
No review of the business interests of Hollis- 
ton could be looked upon as complete, which 
contained no mention of the enterprise con- 
ducted by Messrs. Forbes, Wilson & Co., for 
not only is the present magnitude of this un- 
dertaking very considerable, but every indica- 
tion points to its rapid and extensive develop- 
ment. Operations were begun in 1888, and the 
product has already become well and favorably 
known to the trade, the firm distributing their 
goods by means of jobbing houses, who report 
that they give excellent and permanent satis- 
faction wherever introduced. The factory is 
very conveniently located, opposite the depot, 
and is a four-story structure of the dimensions 
of 30 X 40 feet. It is fitted up with a complete 
plant of improved machinery, driven by steam 
power, and employment is given to thirty-five 
assistants, the product consisting of men's, 
boys' and youths' wax, kip, split and grain 
boots and shoes, in medium and high grades. 
Careful discrimination is exercised in the selec- 
tion of the stock, and every detail of its work- 
ing up is skilfully supervised, so that it is not 
surprising that Messrs. Forbes, AVilson & Co.'s 
goods should have a well-earned reputation for 
uniform excellence. Mr. William Forbes is a 
native of Hopkinton, and is widely known in 
this vicinity, as is also Mr. Charles W, Wilson, 
who was born in Ireland, and served in the 
cavalry during the late Rebellion. Both part- 
ners give the many details of the business close 
personal attention, and no trouble is spared to 
assure the prompt and accurate filling of every 
order. A Boston office is maintained at No. 
lOdk Summer Street, where a full line of sam- 
ples may be seen. 

Z. Talbot, Manufacturer of Shoe Nails and 
Tacks ; Nails for Heeling Machines a Specialty ; 
Holli«ton, Mass. — The best way to get some 
kind of an adequate idea of the magnitude of 
so vast an undertaking as the boot and shoe in- 
dustry is to investigate some of the enterprises 
which are tributary to it, as, for instance, that 
carried on by Mr. Z. Talbot, manufacturer of 
shoe nails and tacks. This was started over a 
score of years ago, the original proprietors. 
Messrs. Stetson & Talbot, beginning operations 
in 1866. The present owner is a native of Han- 
over, Mass., and has had entire control since 
1887. At the time the war of the Eevolution 
commenced, Mr. Talbot was in theU. S. Navy, 
was engineer in charge in placing engines into 
U. S. Gun Boat " Chocura " at Charlestown 
Navy Yard, and went to sea in her in that ca- 
pacity doing blockade duty off" Wilmington, 
and later received orders to Charlestown Navy 
Yard in charge of placing engines in the U. S. 
Gun Boat " Iosco," and went to sea in her par- 
ticipating in both attacks, and the surrender of 
Fort Fisher, and continued in the service until 
after the war closed, later serving as Assistant 
Professor of steam engineering at the Naval 
Academy, Anapolis, Md., from which he re- 
signed his position in the U. S. service to en- 
gage in manufacturing, becoming a mem- 



ber of the firm of Stetson & Talbot as before 
stated, and since which time he has been prom- 
inently identified with public and business in- 
terests of the town, having served as director 
of the Holliston National Bank, and on the 
Board of Trustees of the Holliston Savings 
Bank, and is now chairman of the Board of 
School Committee, having served on the board 
for a number of years, as also on the Board of 
Selectmen. The premises utilized by him com- 
prise a main shop of the dimensions of 40x100 
feet, having an ell 50 x 60 feet in size. An 
elaborate plant of impi-oved machinery is in 
use, it being run by both steam and water 
power. Employment is given to from twenty- 
five to thirty assistants, and shoe nails and 
tacks are very extensively manufactured, pro- 
ducing over one and one-fourth million pounds 
of shoe nails and tacks in the year 1889, "[a 
specialty being made of nails for heeling ma- 
chines. Mr. Talbot's productions are very 
widely and favorably known in the market, 
and the immense and steadily growing demand 
for them is the best proof of their superior 
merit. 

Coughlin Bros., Dealers in Meats, Oysters 
and Canned Goods, Fruits and Vegetables in 
their season. Central Street, Three Doors from 
Washington Street, Milford. Holliston, So. 
Framingham and Boston Express, Holliston, 
Mass. — There is not a business in Holliston 
and vicinity more widely and favorably known 
than that of Coughlin Brothers, for this con- 
cern are not only proprietors of the Milford, 
Holliston, South Framingham and Boston 
Express, but they also carry on a very 
thoroughly fitted-up establishment at which 
Meats, Oysters, Canned Goods, Fruits, Vegeta- 
bles, etc., can be obtained at the very lowest 
market rates ; the goods being in every instance 
guaranteed to prove just as represented. This 
business was formerly carried on by Messrs. 
Fames Brothers, who gave place to the present 
firm in 1882. The partners are Messrs. M. F., 
W. C, J. H., and J. M. Coughlin, all of whom 
are too well known to require extended person- 
al mention. Thej' give careful attention to the 
details of the business, sparing no pains to add 
to the enviable reputation already won. The 
store is located on Central Street, three doors 
from Washington Street, and is some 20x50 
feet in dimensions, thus affording ample room 
for the carrying of a very large and varied 
stock. The firm caters to all classes of trade, 
and whether a choice cut or a piece of soup 
stock is wanted it may be bought at their store 
to excellent advantage. Choice Table Butter 
is made a specialty, and the line of Canned 
Goods is composed of the productions of the 
most reliable packers and is remarkably varied 
and complete. 

G. A.Bartlett, Dealer in Watches, Clocks, 
Jewelry, Silverware, Spectacles, Musical In- 
struments, etc.. Engraving and Jobbing neatly 
done, Holliston, Mass. — There is no good rea- 
son why everybody should not have a watch 
nowdays, for a reliable time-keeper can be 
bought for so little money that all can afford 
one. In fact, but few people can afford to be 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF HOLLISTON. 



61 



without a dependable watch for "time is 
money" and those who have no means of meas- 
uring time cannot avoid wasting much of it. 
The prices of Watches and Cloclis have been 
steadily dropping of late years, and such of 
our readers as are not particularly well in- 
formed on the subject would be surprised on 
visiting the store of Mr. G. A. Bartlett, on 
Central Street, to see how far a few dollars 
will go in the purchase of such articles. A 
fine assortment is at hand to select from and it 
is safe to say that all tastes and all purses can 
easily be suited. This enterprise was inaugu- 
rated in 1880, and has developed until the store 
has become one of the most popular of the 
kind in this vicinity. The proprietor is a na- 
tive of Berlin, Mass., and served a year and a 
half in the army. He has also served on the 
Fire Department, and has a lai'ge circle of 
friends throughout this section. Mr. Bartlett 
by no means confines himself to the handling 
of Watches and Clocks, but is extensively en- 
gaged in the sale of Jewelry, Silverware, Spec- 
tacles, Musical Instruments, etc., quoting the 
lowest market rates and guaranteeing every 
article to prove just as represented. Engrav- 
ing and Jobbing are neatly done, orders being 
assured prompt and painstaking attention. 



Cornelius J. DriscoU, Manufacturer of 
Men's, Boys', Youths' and Children's Boots and 
Shoes, Holliston, Mass. — It is a common re- 
mark that a very considerable amount of capi- 
tal is absolutely essential to the successful in- 
auguration of a manufacturing enterprise now- 
adays, and there is so much in this assertion 
that it is very generally accepted among the 
best-informed people, but yet this rule, like all 
others, has its exceptions, and a notable case in 
point is that afforded by the history of the en- 
terprise carried on in this town by Mr. Cor- 
nelius J. Driscoll. When this gentleman be- 
gan operations in 1878, he had very limited 
means at his command, and business was con- 
ducted on a very small scale, but hard, intelli- 
gent and persevering work will do a great deal 
towards conquering adverse conditions, espec- 
ially when combined with the business tact 
which Mr. Driscoll possesses to a marked de- 
gree. From the very first he has' given close 
personal attention to the enterprise, has spared 
no pains to improve and develop the service 
rendered in all possible ways, and has stead- 
fastly adhered to such legitimate and straight- 
forward methods as to have earned the entire 
confidence of the business community, and 
made himself respected, both in commercial 
and social circles. The premises utilized com- 
prise a four-story building of the dimensions 
of 38 X 22 feet, located opposite the depot, and 
very completely fitted up in every department. 
Employment is given to from forty to fifty as- 
sistants, and the product consists of men's, 
boys', youths' and children's boots and shoes 
in cheap grades, the goods being distributed 
by jobbers throughout the southern states. Mr. 
Driscoll is in a position to quote the lowest 
market rates on his productions, and they will 
compare favorably with any goods of similar 
grade offered to consumers. 



Samuel E. Carr, Dealer in Fine Groceries 
and Provisions, Crockery, Glass and Stone 
Ware,Choice Butter and Flour a specialty ; Shoe 
Findings of all kinds ; Paints, Oils, etc., Hollis- 
ton, Mass. — There is no more truly representa- 
tive establishment in town than that conducted 
by Mr. Samuel E. Carr, for this has been in 
successful operation for more than a score of 
years, and is managed on principles which 
make its popularity very gratifying to all who 
believe in energetic and honorable business 
methods. Operations were begun by INIessrs. 
Carr & Brown in 1868, the present proprietor 
assuming sole control the following year. He 
was born in Maine, and considering' his long 
experience, it is almost unnecessary to say he 
understands his business very thoroughly in 
every detail. The store is 20 x 75 feet in dimen- 
sions, and contains an exceptionally heavy and 
a remarkably varied stock comprising choice 
staple and fancy groceries, selected provisions, 
crockery, glass and stone ware, fine butter and 
cheese, the best brands of family flour, and 
shoe findings of all kinds, together with a full 
line of paints, oils, etc. Mr. Carr is in a posi- 
tion to quote the very lowest market rates on 
these commodities, and this fact, taken in con- 
nection with his policy of selling goods strict- 
ly on their merits, amply explains the magni- 
tude of his business and its constant and rapid 
increase. Employment is given to two compe- 
tent assistants, and purchasers are always sure 
of prompt and courteous attention, while or- 
ders will be accurately delivered at short no- 
tice. 



James F. Flske, News Agent and Dealer 
in Boots, Shoes, Trunks, Umbrellas, Gents' 
Furnishing Goods, Stationery, Fancy Articles, 
Confectionery, etc.. General Steamship and 
Laundry Agency, Foreign Drafts for Sale, 
Andrews' Block, Holliston, Mass. — It would be 
difficult to imagine a more generally useful 
establishment than that conducted by James 
F. Fiske, in Andrews' Block, and we are cer- 
tain that there is not a store in Holliston which 
could not be better spared by the community. 
The enterprise was inaugurated in 1854 by 
Messrs. Geo B. Fisher & Co., and the present 
proprietor assumed sole control the following 
year. He is a native of this town, was Post- 
master for 17 years, and now holds the posit- 
ion of Town Treasurer. The premises made use 
of are 20x60 feet in dimensions, and everj'^ inch 
of available space is improved, for an excep- 
tionally extensive and varied stock is carried, 
comprising Newspapers and Periodicals, Boots, 
Shoes, Trunks, Umbrellas, Gentlemens' Fur- 
nishing Goods, Stationery, Confectionery, etc. 
This is the central office of the Telephone Ex- 
change and of the Holliston Transcript, and is 
also a General Steamship and Laundry Agency. 
Foreign Drafts maj^ be obtained here at city 
rates. Mr. Fiske employs two competent as- 
sistants, and although his store is a very busy 
place there is no establishment in town at 
which one is more sure of receiving immediate 
and courteous attention. 



62 



LSADtKQ SnStNESS MEN OF HOLLISfON. 



D. C. Mowry & Co., Manufacturers of 
Men's, Boys' and Children's Straw Hats, Hol- 
liston, Mass. — It is safe to say that the use of 
straw, as a material for hats, will never be 
abandoned, for, although headgear is very 
largely influenced by the vagaries of fashion, 
still these affect the shape more than they do 
the material of the articles in question, and be- 
sides straw is undoubtedly the most nearly 
perfect head-covering which has yet been dis- 
covered, it being light, cool, durable and capa- 
ble of affording all the protection required. It 
is an interesting question to ask where all the 
hats come from to supply the millions of peo- 
ple in this country alone, when the " straw hat 
season opens, and it is largely to New England 
that we must look for an answer, for that en- 
terprising section has carried this branch of 
production to a high stage of perfection, and 
now furnishes straw hats for a large portion of 
the entire country. One of the best-equipped 
hat factories in Massachusetts is that carried 
on by Messrs. D. C. Mowry & Co., here in Hoi 
liston, the business having reached imposing 
dimensions since it was founded by Mr. I^ewis 
Slocum in 1S61. He was succeeded by Messrs. 
Slocum & Thompson ; they by Thompson & 
Mowry ; they by Mowry, Rogers & Co., and 
they by the present firm, which was formed 
some eight years ago. Mr. Mowry is a native of 
Uxbridge, and has long been prominent in 
Holliston trade and social circles. He was a 
member of the board of selectmen for several 
years, and is the president of the Holliston 
Savings Bank and a director of the National 
Bank. The factory covers an area of about 
seven thousand square feet, and contains five 
floors, there being also a one-story and base- 
ment ell. There are two steam engines of the 
capacity of twenty-five and ten horse-power 
respectively, and steam boilers having a total 
capacity of one-hundred horse-power, the 
works being equipped with the most improved 
facilities throughout for the manufacture of 
men's, boys' and children's straw hats of every 
description. Employment is afforded to two 
hundred assistants during the busy season, and 
every detail of the business is conducted under 
trained and careful supervision. The trim- 
mings used are imported from France and Ger- 
many, and the braid from China and Japan, 
the productions of this factory being accepted 
as the standard, and being in such request as 
to rpsult in a business amounting to between 
$150,000 and $200,000 per annum. This indus- 
try is of great importance to the town, and we 
take pleasure in making prominent mention of 
so truly representative an establishment. 



C. P. Dozois, Merchant Tailor, Central 
Street, Holliston, Mass. — There are many of 
our readers residing in Holliston and vicinity, 
who do not need to be told of the advantages 
gained by patronizing Mr. C. P. Dozois, the 
well-known Merchant Tailor, doing business 
on Central Street, but as some have not as yet 
placed orders at this popular establishment we 
take pleasure in calling their favorable atten- 
tion to it, for Mr. Dozois is capable of turning 
out work equal to the best and his prices are 



remarkably low, all things considered. He is- 
a native of Canada, and founded his present 
business some 16 or 18 years ago. Mr. Dozois 
always has a tastefully selected assortment of 
Foreign and Domestic Woolens in stock, the 
latest fashionable novelties being represented 
and the range of styles being sutticiently exten- 
sive to enable all tastes to be suited. Suits or 
single garments will be made to order at short 
notice ; a fit being guaranteed n nd the work- 
manship being first-class in every respect. Mr. 
Dozois spares no pains to suit the most fas- 
tidious customers, and those who appreciate 
thoroughly and artistically made clothing at 
moderate rates should by all means give him a 
trial order. Repairing and cleaning are also 
promptly and thoroughly done at short notice, 
the charges being uniformly reasonable in 
every instance. 



O. W. Gassett, Dealer in Choice Groceries, 
Teas, Coffees, Canned Goods, etc., Holliston,. 
Mass. — The undertaking, conducted by Mr. O^ 
W. Gassett, occupies a leading position among 
the representative enterprises of Holliston, not 
only on account of its general popularity, but 
also by reason of the energetic and straightfor- 
ward methods which characterize its manage- 
ment. It was founded a good many years ago, 
and in 1874 came into the possession of Messrs. 
Gassett Brothers, who were succeeded by the 
present owner in 1877. He was born in Hollis- 
ton, and has served as Overseer of the Poor. 
The premises utilized by him have an area o£ 
twelve hundred square feet, exclusive of ai 
spacious store-house, and contain a very desira- 
ble and exceptionally complete stock of choice 
groceries, teas, coffiees, canned goods, etc., se- 
lected expressly for family use, aiaidi being 
equal to anything obtainable in the market. '. 
Mr. Gassett is in a position to quote bottom 
prices on all the many commodities he handles, 
and to guarantee that every article bought of 
him shall prove strictly as represented. He 
employs two competent assistants, and the 
general popularity of his store is due in a great 
measure to the policy pursued of treating all 
alike, equal courtesy being shown to large and i 
small customers. 



E. F. Whiting, Dealer in Dry Goods, Cloth- 
ing, Boots, Shoes, and Furnishing Goods, 
Andrew's Block, Cor. Washington and Central 
Sts., Holliston, Mass. — Those who have ever 
visited the establishment conducted by Mr. 
E. F. Whiting in Andrew's Block, corner of 
Washington and Central streets, will readily 
understand why we have no idea of attempting 
to describe in detail the stock there carried, for 
it is so varied, so extensive and so complete 
and our space is so limited that such an at- 
tempt could result in nothing but utter failure. 
Among the more prominent commodities dealt 
in are dry goods, clothing boots and shoes, 
and furnishing goods ; the latest novelties as 
well as all staple styles being fully represen- 
ted. Mr. Whiting claims to carry one of the 
largest stocks in Middlesex County, and there 
is no disputing the justice of this claim for his 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF HOLLISTON. 



63 



assortment is certainly equalled in point of 
size by but very few. Particular attention is 
given to the handling of dress goods and some 
very attractive productions are shown, both 
of ioreign and domestic origin. Boots and 
shoes for both sexes and all ages are to be had 
here at positively bottom rates; and the line of 
men's and boy's clothing is particularly full 
and desirable. Mr. Whiting has had very 
long and varied business experience, and en- 
joys such relations with producers and whole- 
sale as to enable him to quoted bottom prises 



pji all the commodities he handles. He makes 
it a rule to guarantee every article to prove as 
represented, and employes four efficient assis- 
tants, thus ensuring prompt attention to all. 
Mr. Whiting is a native of Holliston, and has 
been town treasurer and assessor; serving 17 
years on the school board. The business now 
owned by him was found in 1855 by Messrs. 
Andrews, Thompson & Co., who were succeed- 
ed in 1858 by Messrs. Thompson & Whiting, 
the present proprietor assuming sole control in 
1866. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN. 



INDEX TO NOTICES. 



BANKS. 

Holliston Savings Bank 58 

Holliston National Bank 57 

Milford National Bank 8 

Milford Savings Bank 24 

BOOT AND SHOK MANUFACTURERS. 

Balcom, J. A 54 

Claflin & Thayer 7 

Crooks, S. & A 38 

Coburn, A. Son & Co 41 

Driscoll, C. J 61 

Forbes, Wilson & Co 60 

Grisshaber, Charles 53 

Temple, W. B. (Houghton & Coolidge) . . 49 

Thompson, E. & Co 44 

Wood, G. & F. W 45 

BOOT AND SHOE DEALERS. 

Andrew Brothers 32 

Cronan, D. J 21 

Leonard, James B 14 

Pyne, W. H 12 

New York Boot and Shoe Store, 

(Saunders, M. A) 18 

BAKERS AND CONFECTIONERS. 

Cutting, O. L 59 

Mathewson Bros ' . . . 18 

Macuen, A. T 21 

Symmes & Paterson 43 

Twiss Brothers 50 

COAL AND WOOD. 

Cook, L. A 28 

Claflin, Charles W. & Co 42 

Quirk, T 19 

Tilton, C. H. Jr 51 

CARRIAGE MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS. 

Belknap, L. E 10 

Rockwood, D. B 9 

DENTISTS. 

Cook, G. L 16 

Cooke, Geo. Phelps 20 

Dixon, E. J 51 



DRUGGISTS. 

Billings, E. T 51 

Cuter, A. M 58 

Donohoe, P. J 25 

Greely, H. A 40 

Lamson, L. A 31 

Rice, J. Allen 22 

Thayer, C. E 52 

Thayer, C. F 58 

DRY AND FANCY GOODS. 

Coburn, A. A 55 

Green, M. F 16 

Hickey, Joseph F 20 

Scott, C. T 53 

Thomas & Walcott 24 

Whiting, Waldo B 19 

Whiting, E. F. la 62 

GENERAL STORES. 

Bridges, E. L 38 

Mahon Bros 45 

McEnelly, M 45 

Smith & Mead 33 

Woods, J. E 50 

GROCERIES AND PROVISIONS. 

Birch, Geo. F 9 

Bridges, B. A. & Son 59 

Chapin, W 17 

Claflin, Chas.W. & Co 42 

Carr, S. E 61 

CoughlinBros 60' 

Dempsey .M 20 

Gassett, O. W 62 

Gerry, J. W 43 

Holmes, F. L. & Co. (wholesale meats). . . 11 

Jackson, J. H 53 

Jones, Theo 52 

Knight, G. B 13 

Leonard, T. & Son 42 

Morse, C. H. & Co 44 

O'Connor & Shaugnessy 51 

Quirk, T 19- 



64 



INDEX. 



Rockwood, H. M 47 

Sweeney, C 15 

Woodward, D. P. & Co 43 

Withingtoa & Son l\ 

HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS. 

Clifford House 44 

Commercial House 42 

Goucher's Hotel 12 

Mansion House 17 

Hart, E. A. ....... 18 

Park House 40 

Hotel Willian 27 

Reservoir House 46 

Scott's Hotel 52 

HARDWARE STORES, ETC. 

Brock, S. A 12 

Claflin, W.B. Jr 41 

Perry & Enslin 54 

Rawsou, E. T 59 

Gould, A. W. (5 and 10 cent goods). ... 14 

HOUSE AND SIGN PAINTERS. 

Spooner, C. H 54 

Traversee, M. E 39 

VoUmer, J. E 33 

LIVERY, BOARDING AND SALE STABLES. 

Cook, Edward E 22 

Coolidge, L. E 46 

Fenton, B 42 

Haskell & Trask 27 

Powers, James 9 

Phipps, Horace 39 

MARBLE AND GRANITE. 

Milford Pink Granite Co 8 

Ross, H. C. (Peter Ross, Agt.) 13 

Sherman, James S 11 

Sherman, William M 15 

Sherman, T. N. «fe Co 18 

IVITLLINERY AND FANCY GOODS. 

Gardiner, R. T. Mrs 23 

Hurlbut, E. M. Miss 26 

Perry, J. A. Mrs 41 

Swan, H. S. Mrs 13 

MANUFACTURERS. 

Aldrich,C.T. (woolen mfg.) .50 

Buxton, J. L. (boot and shoe machinery) . 11 

Brewer, A. G. (machinist) 40 

Carne, Wm. (building trimmings) 19 

Draper, Geo. & Sons 30 

Dutcher Temple Co 30 



Excelsior Cement Co 23 

Hopedale Machine Co 30 

" Elastic Fabric Co 30 

" Machine and Screw Co 30 

Mann, F. W. (bone cutter, etc., etc.) ... 22 

Metcalf , Alvah (box mfg.) 53 

Phipps, M. C. " 40 

Sumner, C. A. (shoe trees) 26 

Steward & Fairbanks (carriage) 44 

Talbot, Z. (shoe nails) 60 

Wilder, S. & Co. (pumps) 59 

Whiting, Samuel (box mfg.) 58 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Aylward, R. Mrs. (stamping) 24 

Avery & Woodward (furniture) 28 

Carey, R. V. (architect) 28 

Cushman, Henry S. (harness) 13 

Crofoot, A. S. (cin and sheet iron worker) 12 

Field, Z. C. (lumber) 15 

Hopedale Ice Co 31 

Hoyt&Hill (plumbers) 17 

Haudmore, P. J. (cigar mfg.) 23 

Milford Dye House and Steam Scouring 

Estaiilishment 10 

Parker, Geo. G. (insurance) 8 

Reynt)lds, Wm. F. (light jobbing in wood) 24 

Smith, J. L. (tin and wooden ware). ... 21 

Temple, E. L. (photographer) 14 

NEWSDEALERS, STATIONERS AND FANCY 
GOODS. 

Adams, O. M. Mrs 16 

Cheney, Everett Mrs 19 

Davis, S. A 52 

Fiske, J. F 61 

Power, M. F 41 

Reynolds, M. J 11 

STRAW GOODS MANUFACTURERS. 

Jones & Wilkinson 7 

Mowry, D. C. A Co 62 

Spaulding, B. H 15 

TAILORS AND CLOTHIERS. 

Bowker, H. D 29 

Coburn, A. A 55 

Dozois,C. P 62 

King Bros 10 

WATCHES, CLOCKS AND JEWELRY. 

Bartlett, G. A 39 

Brown, O. L. & Co 39 

Edgecomb, E. L 54 

French, F. H 31 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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